Australia powered past India by seven wickets in a rain-affected series opener at Perth Stadium, chasing down a modest target with ease to take a 1-0 lead in the three-match contest.
Persistent showers disrupted play four times, reducing India’s innings to 26 overs. The visitors struggled to find momentum and limped to 136 for nine in front of more than 42,000 spectators. Under the Duckworth-Lewis-Stern method, Australia’s revised target was set at 131 from 26 overs.
Captain Mitch Marsh led from the front with an unbeaten 46 from 52 balls, striking three sixes and two fours to guide his side home. He found strong support from Josh Philippe, who smashed 37 from 29 deliveries, as Australia reached the target in just 21.1 overs. Debutant Matt Renshaw added a composed 21 not out, sealing the win with the final single.
The result ended India’s eight-match winning streak in one-day internationals and highlighted Australia’s dominance in challenging conditions. Both captains had wanted to bowl first under heavy clouds, but Marsh won the toss and his decision paid off.
India’s innings faltered early. Rohit Sharma managed only eight before edging Josh Hazlewood to second slip, while Virat Kohli’s return to international cricket ended quickly when he was caught brilliantly by Cooper Connolly at gully off Mitchell Starc for a scoreless eight-ball stay. KL Rahul top-scored with 38 from 31 balls, while Axar Patel added 31, but the middle order collapsed under relentless pressure. Hazlewood finished with 2 for 20 from seven overs, while Starc and Matt Kuhnemann also chipped in with key wickets.
Australia’s clinical performance underlined their depth and adaptability. Marsh’s leadership and aggressive stroke play set the tone, while the bowlers ensured India never settled. With two matches left in the series, the hosts have seized early momentum and left India searching for answers.
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