India produced a better batting performance against England in the first T20I at Chester-le-Street, but incessant rain forced the game to be abandoned before the hosts could begin their chase of 190. The visitors posted a competitive 189/7 in 20 overs, thanks to explosive knocks from Abhishek Sharma and captain Shreyas Iyer, before heavy rain ended proceedings. India’s innings got off to a disastrous start after they opted to bat. Sanju Samson was dismissed for just one, while Ishan Kishan suffered his second successive run-out in T20Is after a mix-up with opening partner Abhishek Sharma, leaving India struggling at 6/2. However, Abhishek quickly shifted the momentum to an aggressive attack with Shreyas.
Abhishek Sharma made a record
Abhishek Sharma smashed an incredible 59 off just 24 balls, including six fours and four sixes, registering the fastest T20I fifty by an Indian batter in England. The left-hander achieved the milestone in just 20 balls, surpassing KL Rahul’s previous record of a 27-ball half-century against England in Manchester in 2018.Abhishek and Shreyas put together an 82-run partnership in over seven overs to revive the Indian innings. Abhishek dominated England’s pace attack, especially Saqib Mahmood and Luke Wood, helping India race to 61/2 in the powerplay before falling to Sam Curran.
Shreyas Iyer is back in form
After initially playing a supporting role, Shreyas took control of the innings and scored a composed 68 off 47 deliveries. The Indian captain registered his ninth T20I fifty and his first as captain, finding the much-needed form after a disappointing series against Ireland. His innings had six boundaries and a six before he was trapped lbw by Saqib Mahmood.Shivam Dube then provided the finishing touches with an unbeaten 42 off just 21 balls, helping India add 54 runs in the last five overs and push their total to 189/7. Mahmood was England’s standout bowler with figures of 3/33.However, the rain that started at the end of India’s innings intensified during the break, and with less than 40 minutes left before the cut-off for the five-over chase, the umpires called off the match. The teams will now head to Manchester for the second T20I on July 4.