Rain Stops India’s Fiery Start in T20 Opener vs Australia

The skies clearly had a plan of their own. Just as the match began to sizzle, heavy clouds rolled in over Manuka Oval and stole the spotlight. India were cruising at 43 for 1 after five overs when the rain came in uninvited. 

Abhishek Sharma looked lively from the first ball. Four clean boundaries. He made 19 from 14 before that thin edge found Tim David’s hands off Nathan Ellis. The bat’s sound changed in an instant. You could almost feel the hush sweep through the stands. Abhishek looked up for a moment, half in disbelief, half in regret.

At the other end, Shubman Gill looks effortless. Sixteen runs from nine balls, each stroke timed like a whisper through the covers. Suryakumar Yadav also joins him, starting bright on 8 from 7 deliveries. One big six told everyone what he had in mind.

Australia’s bowlers, led by Josh Hazlewood, tried to put control but got little help from the air. The ball barely moved. The outfield, slick and fast, rewarded every mistake in length. Then, out of nowhere, the drizzle turned stubborn. Players walked off, Manuka Oval is covered with plastic sheets until the rain stops.