Australia outclassed India in a rain-interrupted first One-Day International at Perth Stadium, claiming a convincing seven-wicket victory under the DLS method. The hosts chased a revised target of 131 with 29 balls to spare, taking a 1–0 lead in the three-match series.
The encounter began under overcast skies, with intermittent showers disrupting play. Australian captain Mitchell Marsh won the toss and opted to field, anticipating assistance from the conditions. His decision quickly paid off as the pace duo of Josh Hazlewood and Mitchell Starc ripped through India’s top order.
Hazlewood struck first, removing Rohit Sharma for 8 with a sharp delivery caught at second slip. Moments later, Starc dismissed Virat Kohli for a duck, pushing India into early trouble at 21 for 2. The struggles deepened when Shubman Gill edged Nathan Ellis to wicketkeeper Josh Philippe for 10.
At 23 for 3, India’s innings looked fragile before rain forced multiple interruptions. After a lengthy delay, Hazlewood returned to claim his second wicket, sending Shreyas Iyer back for 11. The stop-start rhythm made it difficult for India to regain momentum, and they were restricted to 136 for 9 in their allotted 26 overs.
KL Rahul provided the only resistance, scoring a brisk 38 off 31 balls. He hit two sixes in his attempt to lift the run rate but fell attempting a third. Nitish Reddy contributed 19 off the final overs, giving India a modest total to defend.
Australia’s response was composed and confident. Mitchell Marsh led from the front with a captain’s knock of 46 not out off 52 balls, including three sixes and two fours. Philippe added a lively 37 from 29 deliveries before falling to Axar Patel. Matthew Renshaw then joined Marsh, finishing unbeaten on 21 as Australia reached 131 for 3 in 21.1 overs.
India’s bowlers — Arshdeep Singh, Axar Patel, and Washington Sundar — claimed one wicket each but failed to maintain pressure. The shortened match exposed India’s difficulties in adapting to swinging conditions and capitalising on limited overs.
Australia’s dominance with both bat and ball highlighted their home advantage and disciplined execution. The team’s balance, coupled with Marsh’s leadership, signaled their readiness for the remaining matches.
The two sides will now head to Adelaide for the second ODI, where India will aim to bounce back and keep the series alive. For Australia, maintaining their momentum will be key as they look to secure another home series win.
