9.4 overs and glimpse of Surya's return to form! India and Australia in Canberra abandoned due to persistent rain

Rain has had the final say in Canberra, bringing an abrupt end to what looked like a thrilling contest. The first T20 International between India and Australia in Canberra abandoned due to rains after 9.4 overs of play.

India’s innings began brightly, with Abhishek Sharma falling early but setting the tempo. After an initial rain delay, Shubman Gill and skipper Suryakumar Yadav took charge, stitching together a blistering 62-run stand off just 35 balls.

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But just as India seemed in full flow at 97 for 1 in 9.4 overs, the skies opened up again — this time decisively. Several inspections later, the umpires called it off, leaving fans disappointed and a promising game unfinished.The only positive sign for India was their captain Suryakumar Yadav finding form.Surya teed off with his trademark six over the deep square leg fence off Josh Hazlewood's bowling. The Indian captain then got the reprieve as Josh Philippe dropped Surya off Xavier Bartlett's bowling. Philippe sprinted back to his left from mid-on, flung himself full stretch, and managed to get both hands on the ball but couldn’t cling on as it was just out of reach.

The delivery kicked up with extra bounce, and SKY’s attempted loft shot came off high on the bat, looping over the umpire’s head before landing safely.The Manuka Oval pitch conditions, offering good bounce and carry, suited Suryakumar's playing style. After reaching 20 runs, he accelerated his scoring in Nathan Ellis' over, the 10th of the innings, with an uppish square-cut, an off-drive, and a powerful pull shot for six before rain stopped play.Gill's innings was equally impressive, combining careful batting with aggressive shots. He notably hit a six over cow corner off left-arm spinner Matt Kuhnemann, which changed the momentum of the innings.

The match was interrupted twice during India's 9.4 overs at the crease. The period following the first break proved particularly productive for India, with 54 runs scored in 4.4 overs. The wet conditions from rain made it difficult for Australian bowlers to grip the ball.The innings began with Abhishek Sharma scoring a quick 19 off 14 balls, including three boundaries off Xavier Bartlett. However, his innings ended when he failed to properly connect with Ellis' slower delivery, resulting in a catch at mid-off.