Perth: In a rain-affected first ODI at Perth, India managed to post 136 runs for the loss of nine wickets in a match reduced to 26 overs, setting Australia a modest target of 131 to chase after the DRS adjustment. Continuous showers forced the match officials to shorten the contest, adding extra pressure on both teams.
India, having lost the toss and opting to bat first, stumbled out of the gate. Early dismissals of Rohit Sharma for 8, Virat Kohli for a duck, and Shubman Gill for 10 left the team reeling at a precarious position. Shreyas Iyer also fell cheaply, scoring 11, deepening the early crisis for the visitors.
Amid the chaos, KL Rahul anchored the innings with a resilient 38 runs, while Axar Patel contributed a vital 31, forming a partnership that steadied the innings. Debutant Nitish Kumar Reddy shone in the final overs, smashing a brisk 19 and adding crucial runs to push India past the 130-mark.
Australian bowlers made the most of India’s early collapse. Matthew Kuhneman, Josh Hazlewood, and Mitchell Owen were the primary wicket-takers, each claiming two scalps and keeping the scoreboard ticking in Australia’s favor.
With 131 runs required from 26 overs, Australia faces a relatively straightforward chase, but the rain-shortened format means there is little room for error. India will hope for a stronger bowling performance to make the contest competitive in the limited time available.