After losing the ODI series, Team India was eager to make a comeback in the T20 series against Australia (India vs Australia). But the skies over Canberra had other plans. Heavy rain washed out the first T20 match on Wednesday. Repeated interruptions made it impossible to continue the game, and the umpires eventually called it off after 9.4 overs of India’s innings.
Australia won the toss and chose to bowl first. Under the leadership of Suryakumar Yadav, India came out to bat with several surprising selections. Senior players like Rinku Singh, Jitesh Sharma, Washington Sundar, and Arshdeep Singh were rested, giving young talents a chance to shine. With the cold and cloudy conditions in Canberra, swing and seam movement were expected, making batting a real challenge.
Abhishek Sharma, who was in great form during the Asia Cup, opened the innings but struggled against the Australian pace attack. Facing Nathan Ellis’s pace and movement, he managed 19 runs off 14 balls before getting out. After his dismissal, skipper Suryakumar Yadav walked in — under immense pressure after scoring just 100 runs in his previous 11 innings.
But this time, the old SKY seemed to be back. He began cautiously, scoring only 12 runs off his first 10 balls, before switching gears. The trademark aggression returned — elegant cover drives, fierce square cuts, and powerful pulls all flowed freely. During this innings, Suryakumar also reached the milestone of 150 sixes in international T20 cricket. He remained unbeaten on 39 off 24 balls when rain stopped play.
At the other end, Shubman Gill provided solid support, scoring 37 off 20 balls, including four boundaries and one six. The duo built an 85-run partnership in 9.4 overs before the rain returned — this time for good. Despite the ground staff’s best efforts, play could not resume, and the match was officially abandoned.
Even though the game was washed out, the biggest takeaway for India was undoubtedly Suryakumar Yadav’s return to form. He silenced critics with his composed yet explosive batting display. The team’s coaches and support staff were visibly pleased. With two matches remaining in the series, SKY’s regained confidence is expected to boost India’s momentum.
Australia, too, found positives in the match — particularly their pacers’ sharp spells and the young fielders’ athleticism.
Had it not been for the rain, the contest promised to be a thrilling one. Still, amid the dark clouds over Canberra, India found a bright ray of light — Suryakumar Yadav’s resurgence, a hopeful sign for the games to come.
The first #AUSvIND T20I has been abandoned due to rain. 🌧️
Scorecard ▶️ https://t.co/VE4FvHBCbW#TeamIndia pic.twitter.com/biJYDFe9Ah
— BCCI (@BCCI) October 29, 2025