CANBERRA, 29 October (H.S.): Persistent rain played spoilsport on Wednesday, forcing the first T20 International between India and Australia to be called off without a result. The much-anticipated clash at Manuka Oval was ultimately abandoned, leaving cricket fans disappointed.

The second match of the five-match T20 series is now scheduled for October 31.After being put in to bat by Australia, who won the toss, India got off to a flying start courtesy of openers Abhishek Sharma and Shubman Gill. The pair put on a brisk 35 runs in just 3.4 overs before Sharma was dismissed by Nathan Ellis.

A rain interruption shortly after the 5-over mark led to the match being reduced to 18 overs per side.Following the resumption of play, Shubman Gill and Suryakumar Yadav launched a blistering counter-attack, forging a formidable 62-run partnership off only 35 balls to place India in a commanding position.

However, with India strongly poised at 97/1 in 9.4 overs, dark clouds gathered once more, and a heavy downpour brought the proceedings to a halt. As the rain refused to relent, the umpires eventually made the decision to abandon the match.

Although the rain-marred contest ended without a conclusive result, the aggressive intent displayed by the Indian batsmen has certainly left spectators excited for the upcoming encounters.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar