England and India were left frustrated after persistent rain forced the opening match of their three-game T20 series to be abandoned before England could begin their run chase.
India posted a competitive 189 for 7 from their 20 overs, thanks to contrasting half-centuries from Abhishek Sharma and captain Shreyas Iyer. However, with drizzle that had lingered throughout India’s innings becoming heavier, England’s innings never got underway and the match was officially called off at 2017 local time.
The visitors recovered impressively after a disastrous start that saw them slump to 6 for 2 inside the opening two overs. Sanju Samson was the first to depart after Tom Banton produced a sharp catch at backward point off Saqib Mahmood. Two balls later, Ishan Kishan was run out following a mix-up with Abhishek Sharma, leaving India in early trouble.
Abhishek responded with an aggressive counterattack, putting England’s bowlers under immediate pressure. The left-hander struck Saqib Mahmood for consecutive sixes, bringing up a significant personal milestone as he became the fastest batter to reach 100 T20 International sixes, achieving the feat in just 785 balls.
He continued the assault with three successive boundaries off Luke Wood, helping India race to 61 for 2 at the end of the powerplay. England captain Harry Brook, leading the white-ball side just two days after featuring in England’s Test series defeat to New Zealand, turned to Sam Curran in search of a breakthrough.
The move paid immediate dividends as Curran trapped Abhishek leg before wicket with only his second delivery. The opener departed after a blistering 59 from just 24 balls, providing India with the perfect platform.
Captain Shreyas Iyer then anchored the innings with a composed 68 off 47 deliveries, mixing fluent strokeplay with sensible rotation of strike. His innings included a stylish six over extra cover off Luke Wood before he was trapped lbw by Mahmood, who finished as England’s standout bowler with figures of 3 for 33.
Shivam Dube added valuable late runs, remaining unbeaten on 42 from 21 balls to push India to a strong total that would have given the visitors confidence heading into the second innings.
Despite India’s impressive recovery, England never had the opportunity to respond as worsening weather brought proceedings to an early end. The teams will now shift their focus to the second T20 of the series, which will be played at Old Trafford in Manchester on Saturday.
