Live Score

11:51 PM IST, 7:21 PM Local Time: More covers are being brought on as the rain has intensified. The pitch and the bowlers' run-up area has been covered now.

12:07 AM IST, 7:37 PM Local Time: Ian Ward has just mentioned on air that England's target in a five-over chase would be 64. But we're still some way from that. The cut-off time for a five-over chase is 9 PM Local Time (1:30 AM IST).

He also adds that we start losing overs from 7:53 PM Local Time, which is 16 minutes away from now. Rain is steady and the covers are on.

12:23 AM IST, 7:53 PM Local Time: We have started losing overs now. It is still raining at Chester-le-Street and the covers haven't moved.

12:36 AM IST, 8:06 PM local time: The intensity of the rain has dropped. However, it has not come to a halt. The covers are still in place. Remember, for a 5-over run chase, we need to get started by 1:30 AM IST, 9:00 PM local time. 

By the way, in case you missed it, Abhishek Sharma completed 100 T20I sixes tonight. 

The weather gods had the final say at Chester-le-Street as the first T20I of this five-match series ended in a no result. India had recovered well after losing two quick wickets inside the powerplay, thanks to half-centuries from Abhishek Sharma and Shreyas Iyer. Shivam Dube also played a crucial cameo towards the end to help the visitors post a competitive total. 

However, the rain never really relented. Although the intensity of the downpour eased, the ground staff informed the officials that they wouldn't be able to get the ground ready in time for a five-over chase. The teams now head to Manchester for the second T20I on Saturday, which will be a day game.

For now, this is Ajay Pal Singh signing off on behalf of my colleagues Ninaad Dixit, Darpan Tikiya, Manish Bishnoi, and Aman. Good night!