Team India’s second warm-up match ahead of the T20 World Cup 2022 in Australia against New Zealand has been called off, the BCCI has confirmed. The match, which was set to be played at the Gabba in Brisbane, had to be abandoned due to severe rain that plagued the city on Wednesday, October 19.

It was India’s second warm up match ahead of the T20 World Cup, following a six-run win over Australia in the first on Monday, October 17. This also means that New Zealand will be going to the T20 World Cup with a defeat in their first warm up match and an abandoned second warm up on October 19.

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India played two practice matches against Western Australia, before facing the hosts in their first warm up match on Monday, October 17. The Men in Blue will be beginning their T20 World Cup campaign against Pakistan on Sunday, October 23.

Pakistan, on the other hand, were beaten by England in their first warm up match against England on Monday, and their second match against Afghanistan at the same venue was also abandoned earlier in the day due to rain.

Indian batters have looked to be in great form ahead of the T20 World Cup, with KL Rahul and Suryakumar Yadav both hitting half-centuries in the previous match against Australia. While Rohit Sharma looked to be uncomfortable in patches, he also played some beautiful shots, however, was dismissed with only 15 runs.

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However, the primary concern for India ahead of the tournament was its bowling department, which has witnessed injuries to several key players such as Jasprit Bumrah, Deepak Chahar and all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja. 

However, with their star bowler ruled out for the tournament, India head to their campaign opener against Pakistan with caution. The Men in Blue were beaten by 10 wickets by Pakistan in the previous edition of the T20 World Cup in Dubai last year, essentially knocking them out of the tournament.