A high-stakes series decider in Bengaluru concluded in disappointment as persistent rain forced the abandonment of the match after only 7.4 overs. The weather-affected encounter, originally reduced to nine overs per side following a two-and-a-half-hour delay, was halted permanently at 10:21 p.m. As the persistent showers intensified, the umpires and captains opted to abandon the game, resulting in the series honours being shared at 2-2. At 10.21pm, a fresh bout of rain ended India’s innings prematurely, and the game as a result, prompting handshakes as series honours were shared at 2-2.
India was tasked with an aggressive approach from the start, and the team responded with a rapid display of batting. Abhishek Sharma kicked off the innings with a leg-side six, though he was dismissed by Keemo Paul on the following delivery. Ishan Kishan then took charge, dismantling Romario Shepherd in a 24-run second over. Kishan maintained a blistering pace, scoring 30 runs off just 10 balls before falling to Shamar Joseph while attempting a flat-batted shot. Picking Romario Shepherd apart for a 24-run second over, ishan Kishan didn’t let the tempo falter.
Despite the challenging conditions, India maintained momentum to reach 56/2 after three overs, bolstered by Sanju Samson, who utilized the available width to hit a four and a six. Shreyas Iyer, however, struggled to find his rhythm; although he struck two early fours and survived a dropped catch, he eventually departed for 22. As the moisture increased on the ball, Naman Dhir provided a late surge, clobbering 24 runs off six balls, including three sixes and a four, before Tilak Varma was dismissed and the rain became too heavy to continue. And Iyer, dropped on 18, finally perished for a scratchy 22, a bit of drizzle added more grip to the surface. And the ball getting wetter, Naman Dhir clanked a first-ball six, teeing off for 24 off 6, three sixes and a four included, with rain in the air.
The final scorecard reflected India at 118/5 in 7.4 overs, with Shamar Springer taking 2-17 and Keemo Paul finishing with 2-34. With no further play possible, the match was declared an abandonment, closing the tour with both sides level in the T20I series.
