Rain Denies India a Flying Start in Canberra Opener

• By Thetripurapost Desk, Canberra
• Oct 29, 2025
• 608

The much-anticipated first T20I between India and Australia in Canberra on Wednesday ended in frustration for players and fans alike, as persistent rain forced a washout after just 9.4 overs of play. India, powered by Suryakumar Yadav’s fluent 39 and Shubman Gill’s controlled aggression, were cruising at 97 for 1 before the heavens opened for good

Opting to bat first under overcast skies, India began with intent. Even after losing the explosive Abhishek Sharma early for 19, the visitors dominated the PowerPlay with attacking intent. Suryakumar and Gill stitched together a rapid 78-run stand, blending flair with precision as Australia’s bowlers struggled to adapt to the wet conditions.

Abhishek’s short yet entertaining stay featured four crisp boundaries, reflecting the same fearless approach that made him the world’s top-ranked T20I batter. However, an ambitious attempt to clear the ropes off Xavier Bartlett ended his innings prematurely.

For India, the standout moment came from skipper Suryakumar Yadav, who looked back to his inventive best after a subdued Asia Cup campaign. His 24-ball 39 was laced with two sixes and three boundaries, including a signature wristy flick off Josh Hazlewood that sailed into the stands. The innings, though short-lived, signalled a timely resurgence of form for the captain under scrutiny.

Gill, meanwhile, played the ideal foil — rotating the strike smartly and finding gaps with grace. His unbeaten 35 off 26 balls showcased his evolving maturity as vice-captain. The pair looked set to launch an all-out assault after the mid-innings rain delay, but nature had other plans. A second, heavier downpour ended all hopes of resumption, leaving the match abandoned without a result.

While the Canberra crowd went home disappointed, India will draw confidence from their aggressive intent and their captain’s return to fluency. With four matches remaining, the visitors’ top order appears well-tuned for the challenges ahead — provided the weather plays fair.