Rain spoiled the opening match of the India-Australia T20 series in Canberra on October 29, 2025. The game ended without a result after India reached 97 for 1 in just 9.4 overs, with heavy showers forcing officials to abandon play at Manuka Oval.
Match Highlights and Early Action
India started strong after Australia chose to bowl first. Openers Abhishek Sharma and Shubman Gill gave a quick start, scoring freely against the Australian pace attack.
Sharma fell for 19 off 14 balls, caught off Xavier Bartlett. Then, captain Suryakumar Yadav joined Gill, and the pair built a solid partnership. Yadav smashed 39 not out off 24 balls, including powerful shots, while Gill stayed unbeaten on 37 off 20.
The score stood at 97 for 1 when rain interrupted. Officials tried to resume after a delay, cutting the game to 18 overs per side. But more rain came, and the match was called off around 11 PM local time.
This no-result keeps the five-match series at 0-0. Fans waited hours, but the weather won in the end.
Key Player Performances
Suryakumar Yadav looked in top form, hitting boundaries with ease. His knock included four fours and two sixes, showing why he leads India in T20s.
Shubman Gill played smartly, rotating the strike and punishing loose balls. Their unbeaten stand of 78 runs put India in a strong spot before the rain.
On the Australian side, Xavier Bartlett took the only wicket. Veterans like Josh Hazlewood and Nathan Ellis bowled tight lines but could not stop the Indian batters from scoring at over 10 runs per over.
- Suryakumar Yadav: 39* (24 balls, 4 fours, 2 sixes)
- Shubman Gill: 37* (20 balls, 3 fours, 2 sixes)
- Abhishek Sharma: 19 (14 balls, 2 fours, 1 six)
No other batters got a chance due to the short play.
Toss Decisions and Team Lineups
Australia captain Mitchell Marsh won the toss and elected to field, hoping to use the overcast conditions and chase later. The pitch at Manuka Oval offered some bounce, but rain changed everything.
India fielded a balanced side with Jasprit Bumrah leading the bowling. Australia included young talents like Mitchell Owen and Josh Philippe.
| Team | Playing XI |
|---|---|
| Australia | Mitchell Marsh (c), Travis Head, Josh Inglis (w), Tim David, Mitchell Owen, Marcus Stoinis, Josh Philippe, Xavier Bartlett, Nathan Ellis, Matthew Kuhnemann, Josh Hazlewood |
| India | Abhishek Sharma, Shubman Gill, Suryakumar Yadav (c), Tilak Varma, Sanju Samson (w), Shivam Dube, Axar Patel, Harshit Rana, Kuldeep Yadav, Varun Chakaravarthy, Jasprit Bumrah |
Both teams aimed to test combinations ahead of the 2026 T20 World Cup in India and Sri Lanka.
This series follows Australia’s 2-1 win in the ODIs. India last played in September, winning the Asia Cup 2025 against Pakistan in the final.
Weather’s Role and Fan Frustration
Canberra’s weather forecast warned of rain, with a 20 percent chance early in the evening dropping later. But persistent showers hit harder than expected.
Ground staff worked to cover the field, but wet outfield and more rain made play impossible. This is not the first time rain has ruined a cricket match in Australia; similar issues affected the 2024 Gabba Test and other games.
Fans expressed disappointment online, with many calling for better drainage or indoor options. The abandonment adds to ongoing talks about climate impacts on outdoor sports.
Series Outlook and Next Steps
The no-result means both teams stay even. India, as defending T20 World Cup champions from 2024, will look to bounce back. Australia, strong at home, aims to build momentum for 2026.
The second T20 is set for Melbourne on November 1, 2025, with clearer weather expected. This gives players like Bumrah and Head more chances to shine.
Experts say India might tweak their batting order, while Australia could adjust bowling plans. The series tests depth, especially with injuries and form concerns.
What do you think about the rain delay? Share your thoughts in the comments and spread the word about this exciting series.
