Abhishek Sharma, Shreyas Iyer shine but weather aborts match

In a rain‑ravaged encounter at Chester-le-Street, India’s young duo of Abhishek Sharma and captain Shreyas Iyer delivered dominant performances before the game was called off. Sharma smashed 59 runs in just 24 deliveries, hitting four sixes and six fours, while Iyer contributed a composed 68 from 47 balls. Their partnership rescued India from an early wobble and set a target of 189/7. England’s innings never got off the ground as the skies opened up after the 20th over, prompting the ground cover to be laid. With the match unable to resume, the umpires declared a washout. Both sides will meet again in Manchester, with the series moving forward despite the interruption.