Persistent rain had the final say at the Manuka Oval in Canberra, forcing the abandonment of the first T20I between India and Australia on Wednesday. India were well placed at 97 for 1 in 9.4 overs before steady showers returned, ending any chance of a result.

The evening began under overcast skies, with Australia skipper Mitchell Marsh opting to field after winning the toss. Openers Abhishek Sharma and Shubman Gill gave India a fluent start, adding 35 runs for the first wicket before Nathan Ellis dismissed Abhishek.

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Skipper Suryakumar Yadav joined Gill and immediately set the tone, launching a trademark flick over deep backward square leg, his 150th six in T20 internationals, to get off the mark in style.

Rain halted play after five overs, delaying proceedings for about

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