Australia vs India: First T20 International Abandoned After Persistent Downpour – Live Updates Recap

The highly anticipated first T20 International between Australia and India was abandoned due to persistent rain at Manuka Oval in Canberra on Wednesday, 29 October 2025.

The match, which marked the beginning of a five-match series, was called off after multiple interruptions, with India cruising at 97/1 in 9.4 overs when the final downpour sealed its fate.

Australia won the toss and opted to bowl first, a decision that initially seemed to backfire as India's top order settled in quickly.

Shubman Gill and Suryakumar Yadav built a solid second-wicket partnership, with Gill scoring 37 not out off 20 balls and Yadav contributing 39 not out off 24 balls. Their momentum was halted by the rain, which returned and lingered long enough to prevent any further play.

Match Officially Abandoned

Despite the ground staff's efforts to resume play, the weather refused to cooperate. The umpires waited for a window to restart the match, but the conditions deteriorated, and the outfield remained too wet for safe play. The game was officially abandoned without a result, reducing the series to four matches.

The abandonment was confirmed by the Olympics.com match report, which noted that India had been put in to bat and had reached 97/1 in 9.4 overs before the final rain delay. The report also highlighted the brisk start provided by Abhishek Sharma, who scored 19 off 14 balls before falling to Nathan Ellis in the fourth over.

The washout left fans disappointed, especially those who had packed the stadium in hopes of witnessing a competitive clash between two of the world's top T20 sides. Social media was abuzz with frustration, as many lamented the lack of reserve days for bilateral T20 matches.

Series Outlook and Next Fixture

The abandonment means both teams will head into the second T20I with the series level at 0-0. The next match is scheduled for Friday, 31 October, at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG), where weather conditions are expected to be more favourable.

India will look to carry forward the batting form displayed in Canberra, while Australia will hope to regroup and test their bowling attack under clearer skies. The series is seen as a key preparatory platform for both sides ahead of the 2026 ICC T20 World Cup, making every match crucial for squad selection and strategy refinement.

Weather Woes and Scheduling Concerns

The rain-induced abandonment has reignited discussions around scheduling flexibility in international cricket. Critics argue that high-profile series should include reserve days, especially in regions prone to unpredictable weather. While Test matches and ICC tournaments often accommodate such contingencies, bilateral T20 series remain vulnerable to washouts.

Cricket Australia and the BCCI have yet to comment on potential changes to future scheduling, but the incident in Canberra may prompt renewed dialogue among stakeholders.

The first T20I between Australia and India ended in disappointment for fans and players alike, as persistent rain forced an early end to what promised to be an exciting contest. With the series now effectively a four-match affair, both teams will be eager to make their mark in Melbourne and beyond.