India clinch T20I series 2-1 after rain plays spoilsport

Continuing their dominant run in T20 Internationals, India sealed a 2-1 series win over Australia in anticlimactic fashion after the fifth and final T201 at the Gabba in Brisbane was abandoned due to heavy rain and thunderstorms.

- TRIDIB BAPARNASH

After being put in to bat, the focus was on how India’s top order handles the Gabba’s trademark bounce and carry despite Australia missing their lead pacer Josh Hazlewood as he continued preparations for the Ashes. However, India’s openers Abhishek Sharma and Shubman Gill came up with a brisk start, racing to 52 in just 4.5 overs before rain stopped play.

Abhishek had a couple of reprieves after being dropped twice, while Gill looked in sublime touch, cracking 29 off just 16 deliveries. The series ended as it began, under the shadow of rain after the opener in Canberra was also washed out. Australia had dominated the second game at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, led by a fiery spell from Hazlewood.