Australia dominate rain-hit ODI series opener as India crumble in Perth

By SABC Sport
19th October 2025

Australia made light work of a revised target to secure a commanding seven-wicket victory over India in a rain-disrupted first one-day international at Optus Stadium, taking a 1-0 lead in the three-match series.

Persistent rain forced four interruptions and reduced the match to 26 overs per side. Australia, led by Mitchell Marsh's unbeaten 46 and Josh Philippe's 37, reached 131 for 3 in the 22nd over after bowling India out for 136.

The visitors had earlier stumbled to 3 for 25 under overcast skies after being sent in. Rohit Sharma (8) was caught at slip off Josh Hazlewood, while Virat Kohli lasted just eight balls before edging Mitchell Starc to gully for a duck. Kohli, returning to international cricket for the first time in months, had previously scored a century at this venue but couldn't replicate that form.

Shubman Gill (10), captaining in Rohit's absence post-dismissal, fell gloving Nathan Ellis down the leg side. A brief rally from KL Rahul (38 off 31) and Axar Patel (31) lifted India past 100, but regular wickets and constant delays denied them any momentum. Debutant Nitish Reddy chipped in with a late unbeaten 19.

Hazlewood returned 2 for 20 in a seven-over spell featuring 35 dot balls. Starc and Ellis took one apiece, while debutant Mitchell Owen impressed with 2 for 20. Matt Kuhnemann added two late wickets as India limped to 136 for 9.

Australia's chase wobbled early with both openers - Travis Head and Matt Short-falling for eight. But Marsh and Philippe steadied the innings with a 55-run partnership. Philippe, playing his first ODI in four years, struck six boundaries before falling to Arshdeep Singh.

Marsh started slowly before accelerating with three sixes, guiding Australia home alongside debutant Matt Renshaw (21 not out), who scored the winning run.