Surya’s bat lights up Canberra, but rain puts out the fire

India captain Suryakumar Yadav seemed to have rediscovered his touch with a series of classy shots, but persistent rain had the final say as the first T20 International between India and Australia at the Manuka Oval was abandoned on Wednesday.

After being asked to bat, India looked set for a big total before rain stopped play at 9.4 overs, with the team reaching 74 for 1. Both Suryakumar and his deputy Shubman Gill appeared in fine form and looked ready for big scores before the weather spoiled the contest.

Suryakumar, who had been struggling for form this year with a strike rate below 110 and only 100 runs to his name in 2025, looked much more like his old self. Batting with confidence and control, he played some trademark shots on his way to an unbeaten 39 off 24 balls, including a powerful six over square leg off Josh Hazlewood, a reminder of why he was once ranked the world’s top T20 batter.

The Indian skipper found good rhythm on a pitch that offered bounce and carry, conditions that suit his stroke-making style. Once he settled in, he went after Nathan Ellis in the 10th over, hitting him for a square cut, an elegant off-drive, and a massive pull over mid-wicket before the rain began pouring down again.

At the other end, Shubman Gill provided solid support, staying unbeaten on 37 off 20 balls. He mixed caution with aggression, striking cleanly and timing the ball beautifully. His slog-swept six over cow corner off left-arm spinner Matt Kuhnemann set the tone for India’s aggressive approach.

Earlier, Abhishek Sharma gave India a quick start with 19 runs off 14 balls, hitting three boundaries off Xavier Bartlett. However, he was dismissed while trying to loft a slower delivery from Ellis, failing to clear mid-off.

India’s innings was interrupted twice due to showers, but the batters managed to score 54 runs in just 4.4 overs after the first delay. Unfortunately, the second spell of rain was heavier, making the ball slippery and unplayable, forcing the umpires to call off the match.

The teams will now hope for clearer skies in the next game of the series.