The first One-Day International between India and Australia in Perth was heavily impacted by persistent rain, turning an anticipated clash into a protracted affair. For many fans waking up early on a Sunday morning, the outcome was decided prematurely, as Australia comfortably clinched a seven-wicket victory by mid-morning IST, taking a 1-0 lead in the three-match series.
India’s star batsmen, Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, who are reportedly eyeing the 2027 ODI World Cup, displayed a noticeable lack of form. Their combined time at the crease lasted a mere 22 balls under surprisingly sunny skies. The relentless pressure applied by Australian pacers Josh Hazlewood and Mitchell Starc, reminiscent of their Test struggles 11 months prior, proved overwhelming. Rohit, on just 8 runs, edged a sharp, rising delivery from Hazlewood, leading to a simple catch for Matt Renshaw at slip.
Mitchell Starc, following up on Hazlewood’s success, tempted Kohli with some fuller deliveries before cleverly pulling back his length. This subtle variation caught the edge of Kohli’s bat, with Cooper Connolly at gully securing the dismissal. India found themselves reeling at 21 for 2 within 6.1 overs, a stark contrast to the high-scoring Powerplay expectations set by players like Abhishek Sharma. The onus then fell squarely on captain Shubman Gill to stabilize the innings.
However, Gill’s stay was also short-lived, as he edged a delivery from medium-pacer Nathan Ellis down the leg side on his very first ball, departing for just 10. This further complicated India’s already challenging situation. Shortly after, the first of many rain interruptions began, causing repeated stoppages and ultimately shortening the match.
New vice-captain Shreyas Iyer also failed to impress. Plagued by his known vulnerability to the short ball, he too fell to Josh Hazlewood (2-20), who maintained an immaculate line and length through a seven-over spell. Wicket-keeper Josh Phillippe took a sharp catch, sending Iyer back for 11 runs.
Axar and Rahul Provide a Much-Needed Boost
Amidst India’s top-order collapse, KL Rahul once again demonstrated his exceptional class. Having recently masterminded a Test series victory on a docile Kotla pitch, Rahul effortlessly adapted to the vastly different, bouncier conditions at Optus Stadium. Unfazed by Australia’s formidable pace attack or the numerous rain delays, Rahul scored a composed 38 off 31 balls as the match was reduced to 26 overs. His vital 39-run partnership with the determined Axar Patel (31) injected a brief spark into the Indian innings. While the early damage was too significant to completely overcome, their partnership offered a glimmer of hope that India’s batters might find their rhythm in the more favorable conditions anticipated in Adelaide.
Marsh Leads Australia’s Charge
Defending a modest target of 131, India desperately needed early breakthroughs to make a contest of it. However, on a re-energized Optus pitch, which grew spicier under the floodlights and increased moisture, the absence of Jasprit Bumrah was keenly felt. While Mohammed Siraj bowled with his characteristic commitment and Arshdeep Singh managed to dismiss Travis Head early, the Indian bowling attack ultimately lacked the decisive penetration required to unsettle the Australian lineup.
Australian skipper Mitchell Marsh, after an aggressive start, wisely tempered his approach once a couple of wickets fell, recognizing the relative inexperience in Australia’s middle order. Among India’s bowlers, Harshit Rana (0/27 off 4 overs) struggled, frequently offering loose deliveries that eased the pressure on Marsh and the promising young Josh Phillippe (37). Their crucial 55-run third-wicket partnership effectively sealed the game for Australia.
Ultimately, Australia cruised to victory, making the chase seem effortless — a scenario eerily similar to their performance on November 19, 2023.