Prime Minister's XI vs India: Match update after persistent rain in Canberra

The two-day day-night pink ball match between Prime Minister’s XI and Indians couldn’t start on the opening day due to persistent rain. The opening-day washout has reportedly forced the match status.

The Canberra weather forecast doubted the opening day of the two-day practice match. Although it was a practice match, it was important for India to manage crucial practice before the upcoming day-night pink ball Test match against Australia at Adelaide Oval. 

Just like every year, Manuka Oval (Canberra) hosts the two-day day-night pink ball match between Prime Minister’s XI and Indians. However, the match couldn’t start on Saturday due to continuous rain between 10 AM and 5:30 PM. Although the Indian team was present at the match venue, persistent rain denied any activities.

Two umpires later confirmed no play for the opening day of the invitational game. The rain returned havier at 7 PM, while both teams left the venue at 6:30 PM.

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Two-day match likely to be one-day affair 

According to the latest ESPNcricinfo report, the invitational game can now be played in the one-day format. It can be a 50-over format for Sunday’s encounter as the match can begin at 2:40 PM. The Saturday ticket holders will be refunded.  

India missed crucial practice match

It was the only opportunity for team India to prepare for the day-night pink ball Test match, which isn't common outside Australia. While Australia hosts one day-night pink ball Test match in the home season, India last played it during their previous Australia tour. Adelaide Oval hosted that four-match Test series opener, where India lost that match after they were bundled out for 36 runs in their second innings. It was their second and last day-night Test after a dominating win against Bangladesh at Kolkata.

Adelaide Oval is once again set to host another day-night pink ball Test match. It will be the second Test of the ongoing five-match Test series, starting on December 6. It will be Australia's 13th day-night pink ball Test match, where they won their first 11 matches before losing their last one against West Indies at the Gabba last January. 

In the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25, the five-match Test series, visitors India are leading by 1-0 after the first Test. India started the away Test series by winning the Perth Test by 295 runs.