The opening T20I of the bilateral series between India and England was abandoned due to persistent rain after the first innings at Chester-le-Street on Wednesday night. India had set a target of 190 runs for the hosts, but England could not begin their chase as rain prevented play. After more than 90 minutes of waiting, umpires officially called off the match.
Third India match abandoned at this venue
This abandonment marks the third time an Indian international match has been called off at this ground. Two One-Day Internationals were previously abandoned here — one in 2002 and another in 2011. The series now moves to Manchester, where the second T20I will be played on Saturday.
India opted to bat first and posted 189 for 7 in their 20 overs, despite losing early wickets. The opening pair remained unchanged, meaning Vaibhav Sooryavanshi continued to wait for his international debut. Sanju Samson fell cheaply for just one run, and Ishan Kishan was run out without scoring.
Abhishek Sharma and Shreyas Iyer lead recovery
Abhishek Sharma and Shreyas Iyer then added 82 runs for the third wicket in quick time. Abhishek brought up his half-century in just 20 balls and scored 59 off 24 deliveries, hitting four sixes and six fours. He was dismissed in the ninth over, trapped leg-before-wicket by Sam Curran.
Iyer anchored the innings with a measured 67 off 47 balls, including six fours and one six. He first added 36 runs with Tilak Varma and then 41 runs for the fifth wicket with Shivam Dube. Varma made 13 off 13 before falling to Saqib Mahmood, who finished with figures of 3 for 33.
Late fireworks from Shivam Dube
Shivam Dube played a crucial cameo, remaining unbeaten on 42 off 21 balls with two fours and three sixes. Harshit Rana, sent in ahead of Axar Patel, was stumped by Jos Buttler off Adil Rashid for a duck. Axar made 3 runs before being dismissed on the final ball of the innings.
For England, Saqib Mahmood was the pick of the bowlers with three wickets, while Adil Rashid and Sam Curran took one each. Brief scores: India 189/7 (Shreyas Iyer 68 off 47, Abhishek Sharma 59 off 24; Saqib Mahmood 3/33).
