Bengaluru rain forces series to end 2-2 after India's 7.4-over blitz

Rain decided the series at Bengaluru, forcing an already shortened game to be abandoned after just 7.4 overs.

At 10.21 p.m., a second bout of rain prematurely ended India's innings and the game, resulting in handshakes as the series was split at 2-2.

The toss was initially delayed for two and a half hours due to persistent rain throughout the city. It eventually relented for a nine-over shootout, necessitating a relentless approach from India's batting star-cast.

Abhishek Sharma began with a leg-side six but fell the next ball after Keemo Paul dragged his length back. Ishan Kishan didn't let the tempo falter, picking Romario Shepherd apart for a 24-run second over. It was also when some odd extra bounce appeared on the track; the outfield, though, remained quick despite all the rain.

Kishan fell to Shamar Joseph trying another flat-batted stroke, having scored 30 off only 10 balls. Sanju Samson, barely on strike until then, then used his width to cart a four and a six. India had reached 56/2 in three overs.

Gudakesh Motie had to maneuver his lines to keep Hope out of the hitting arc when it immediately changed to spin. Shreyas Iyer started with two fours, but he was scratchy and couldn't get away with it. A bit of drizzle added more grip to the surface, and Iyer, dropped on 18, finally perished for a scratchy 22.

Naman Dhir teed off for 24 off 6, including three sixes and a four, despite the rain in the air and the ball getting wetter. As Tilak Varma perished, and the showers got heavier, the players were forced off the field, not returning again.