The highly anticipated opening T20I between India and Australia in Canberra was left in limbo on Wednesday, October 29, 2025, as persistent rain forced an abandonment after just 9.4 overs. However, in that brief window, fans were treated to a tantalizing glimpse of captain Suryakumar Yadav rediscovering his explosive best .
Suryakumar Yadav and Shubman Gill Light Up Manuka Oval
After being put in to bat, India’s top order wasted no time. Vice-captain Shubman Gill, fresh off his stellar Test performances, looked in sublime touch. But the real story was skipper Suryakumar Yadav, whose recent form had been a topic of discussion. The duo stitched together a blistering 62-run partnership, sending a strong message to the Australian bowlers .
Abhishek Sharma provided a quick start with a fiery 19 before falling to the impressive Josh Hazlewood. But it was the Surya-Gill show that had the crowd on its feet. Suryakumar was a whirlwind of boundaries, racing to 39 off just 24 balls, while Gill was his elegant self, scoring 37 from 20 deliveries .
Rain Halts the Momentum
Just as the Indian innings was building a formidable platform at 97 for 1, the Canberra skies opened up. A heavy downpour led to a lengthy delay, and despite a brief 30-minute break in the weather that allowed the players to return to the field, the rain returned with a vengeance .
With the outfield saturated and no sign of the rain letting up, the match officials had no choice but to call off the contest. The result leaves the three-match series level at 0-0, with all to play for in the remaining fixtures.
What This Means for the T20 Series
While the washout is a disappointment for fans, the silver lining for Team India is the return to form of their captain. Suryakumar Yadav’s intent and shot selection were a throwback to his best, which is a massive boost for the team’s confidence heading into the next game .
Australia, on the other hand, will be frustrated at not being able to test their new-look bowling attack against a set Indian batting lineup. The series now shifts focus to the second T20I, where both teams will be desperate to claim the first points.
Key Stats from the Abandoned Match
| Batsman | Runs | Balls | Strike Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shubman Gill | 37 | 20 | 185.00 |
| Suryakumar Yadav | 39 | 24 | 162.50 |
| Abhishek Sharma | 19 | 14 | 135.71 |
Sources
Times of India: 9.4 overs & glimpse of Surya’s return to form!