England's white-ball summer began with a washout as persistent rain forced the abandonment of the first men's T20 international against India at Durham. India had posted 189 for 7 in their 20 overs, but no play was possible in the chase as conditions worsened after the interval.
India's innings featured half-centuries from Shreyas Iyer and Abhishek Sharma. Iyer made 68 off 47 balls before falling lbw to Saqib Mahmood, while Abhishek smashed 59 off 24 deliveries, including ten fours and four sixes. Shivam Dube added a quick 42 from 21 balls.
England's Saqib Mahmood, playing his first T20I since January following a knee injury, took three wickets for 42 runs. Sam Curran and Adil Rashid also claimed a wicket each. The hosts felt they had restricted India to a below-par total on a slow pitch.
The rain began falling shortly after the start and only eased enough to allow India to complete their innings, but returned with intensity immediately after, preventing any England reply. A five-over match was deemed impossible by the scheduled cut-off time, and the match was called off.
The second T20I is scheduled to take place at Emirates Old Trafford on Saturday, with both sides hoping for better conditions.
