What Happened to the 5th T20I: India-Australia Match Amid Severe Weather?
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Abhishek Sharma achieved a significant milestone in T20Is.
- Weather conditions impacted the match's outcome.
- India's early batting performance was promising.
- Safety protocols were enacted for spectators.
- The series could be affected if rain persists.
Brisbane, Nov 8 (NationPress) The fifth T20I encounter between India and Australia at The Gabba has been interrupted due to hazardous weather conditions and lightning. At the moment of suspension, India stood at 52/0 in 4.5 overs before inclement weather compelled players to leave the field, while front-row spectators were directed to evacuate to sheltered areas.
The severe weather alert displayed on the stadium scoreboard stated, 'It is unsafe to remain in open areas. Please seek shelter and adhere to instructions.' Weather radar indicated that heavy rain was set to impact the stadium for approximately an hour, suggesting that the interruption could extend for a considerable time.
Prior to the rain, left-handed opener Abhishek Sharma managed to survive some close calls, finishing unbeaten at 23 and becoming the second fastest Indian batter to accumulate 1000 T20I runs, while Shubman Gill contributed with an impressive 29 not out.
After being put in to bat first, Abhishek was twice dropped during the powerplay—initially by Glenn Maxwell at long-off from Ben Dwarshuis, and again by Dwarshuis himself on the boundary after Abhishek mishit a pull against Nathan Ellis.
Despite a shaky start, Abhishek capitalized on his luck to hit two exquisite boundaries and reached the 1000-run milestone in T20Is in just 28 innings since his debut in July 2024.
While Abhishek took advantage of his reprieves, Gill appeared confident at the other end, striking six boundaries to provide India with early momentum, until rain interrupted the match. Should the rain ultimately lead to the game being called off, India would clinch the five-match series with a 2-1 lead.