Border Gavaskar Trophy: Prime Ministers XI vs India pink ball match reduced to 50-over per side

Day 1 of the much-anticipated two-day pink-ball match between Team India and the Prime Minister's XI ended without a single ball being bowled as persistent rain washed out the day’s play. The steady drizzle started early in the morning and continued relentlessly from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., leaving fans disappointed and the ground staff with no chance to prepare the field for action. The Indian players did make their way to the ground, hopeful of getting some playtime. However, despite their readiness, the weather refused to cooperate. At one point, there was a glimmer of hope when the rain paused briefly, and the covers were partially removed. But just as preparations were underway to assess the field conditions, heavier rain resumed around 7 p.m., dashing any possibility of play.

The weather dampened not just the ground but also the spirits of the players and spectators, who were looking forward to seeing the Indian team test themselves in the pink-ball conditions ahead of their upcoming assignments. The washout has left both teams with just one day to salvage some meaningful game time from this practice fixture, provided the rain relents on Day 2.

Update: PM’s XI v India - Manuka Oval

Play has been abandoned for Day 1 and will resume tomorrow (Sunday) at 9:10 am IST. Coin toss will be at 8:40 am IST.

Teams have agreed to play 50 overs per side.#TeamIndia pic.twitter.com/qb56K8dtX0

— BCCI (@BCCI) November 30, 2024

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has already announced that the PM's XI vs India pink-ball match will now be a 50-overs per side affair. The day-night practice match will now resume on Day 2 (1 December, 2024) and the toss will be held at 8:40 AM IST while the first ball will be bowled at 9:10 AM IST. 

The Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) 2024-25 has begun with a bang, as the Indian team registered a commanding victory in the first Test. Held in Perth, the series opener saw both India and Australia struggle with the bat in the first innings. However, India bounced back strongly in the second innings, putting up an impressive batting performance to set a mammoth target for the hosts.

Australia, unable to match India’s resilience, succumbed to a 295-run defeat, giving the visitors an early advantage in the series. This dominant display has set the tone for the Indian team as they eye further success in the remaining matches. The Australia vs India second Test, scheduled to begin from December 6 at the iconic Adelaide Oval, promises to be a thrilling encounter. Adding to the excitement, it will be a pink-ball Test, heightening the challenge for both teams under the lights. While India will look to capitalize on their winning momentum, Australia will aim to regroup and deliver a much-needed comeback. With the series heating up, all eyes will be on Adelaide to see if the Aussies can bounce back or if India can extend their dominance.