England-India T20 abandoned because of rain

CHESTER-LE-STREET, England – The opening T20 match between England and India was abandoned due to persistent rain, leaving both teams frustrated. India had set a competitive target of 189-7 in their 20 overs, bolstered by contrasting half-centuries from Abhishek Sharma and Shreyas Iyer.

India's innings saw a strong comeback after an early stumble. They were 6-2 after two overs, but Abhishek Sharma quickly turned the tide. He smashed 59 off just 24 balls, including reaching 100 T20 international sixes in just 785 balls, the quickest to do so. Despite Sharma's explosive start, Sam Curran managed to trap him lbw with his second ball. Captain Shreyas Iyer contributed a more measured 68 off 47 balls before also falling lbw to Mahmood, who finished with figures of 3-33. Shivam Dube remained unbeaten on 42 from 21 balls.

England's chase never got underway as the drizzle that had fallen during India's innings intensified. The game was officially called off at 8:17 p.m. local time. The teams will now move on to Old Trafford in Manchester for the second game of the three-match series on Saturday.