Tessa Lee, Sports journalist reporting on global leagues since 2021.
England and India's opening men's T20 international ended without a result after persistent rain prevented the hosts from beginning their chase at Chester le Street. India posted 7 for 189 thanks to half centuries from Abhishek Sharma and captain Shreyas Iyer, but worsening weather forced the match to be abandoned before England faced a ball, leaving the five match series level at 0 and 0.
India recover after early wickets
England made the ideal start after India elected to bat first.
Saqib Mahmood struck in the second over when Sanju Samson was brilliantly caught by Tom Banton at backward point before Ishan Kishan was run out without scoring following a mix up between the wickets.
Despite slipping to 2 for 6, India recovered through an explosive partnership between Abhishek Sharma and Shreyas Iyer.
Abhishek dominated the powerplay with an aggressive innings, smashing four sixes and six fours on his way to 59 from just 24 balls. His rapid scoring lifted India to 61 for 2 after the opening six overs.
Iyer anchors strong total
After Abhishek was trapped leg before wicket by Sam Curran in the ninth over, Iyer took control of the innings.
The captain reached his half century from 38 deliveries before accelerating late to score 68. His innings ended in the penultimate over when Mahmood dismissed him leg before wicket for his third wicket of the match.
Shivam Dube provided the finishing touches with a powerful 42 from 21 balls, helping India reach 189 for 7 despite England's regular breakthroughs.
Mahmood finished with impressive figures of 3 for 33 in his return to England's T20 side after a lengthy injury absence.
Rain halts England before chase begins
Light rain fell throughout much of India's innings but conditions deteriorated significantly once the visitors completed their 20 overs.
The covers were brought onto the field and heavy rain continued throughout the evening.
Officials required play to resume by 9.00 pm local time to allow even a five over chase, but persistent rain left the outfield unplayable.
The match was eventually abandoned, denying England the opportunity to pursue a target of 190.
Salt injury not expected to prevent return
England also received an encouraging update on opener Phil Salt during the rain delay.
The England and Wales Cricket Board confirmed Salt had suffered a jarred shoulder while diving in the field but said the injury resulted from an external blow, meaning he would have been available to open the batting had play resumed.
The teams will now turn their attention to the second T20 international in Manchester as they look to gain the early advantage in the five match series.
