PERTH, Australia: Australia cruised to a seven-wicket victory over India under the Duckworth-Lewis-Stern (DLS) method in a rain-affected first One Day International (ODI) at Perth Stadium on Sunday, taking a 1-0 lead in the three-match series.
Set a revised target of 131 from 26 overs after multiple rain interruptions, Australia chased down the total comfortably with 29 balls to spare, reaching 131 for 3 in 21.1 overs.
Captain Mitchell Marsh anchored the innings with a composed 46 not out off 52 balls, including two fours and three sixes.
Marsh, who was named Player of the Match, said he was pleased with his side’s composure despite the stop-start nature of the contest.
“Obviously the weather played its part today,” Marsh said. “The ball was swinging around for both teams, so it was a bit of a challenge, but I was proud of the way our young guys came out and got the job done.”
The skipper was supported by Josh Philippe, who struck a brisk 37 off 29 balls, and Matt Renshaw, who remained unbeaten on 21 as Australia sealed the win in clinical fashion.
Hazlewood, Starc rip through India’s top order
Earlier, India’s innings was repeatedly disrupted by heavy rain, leaving them struggling to build momentum after Marsh won the toss and chose to field. The match was eventually reduced to 26 overs per side following three stoppages.
Australia’s pace attack made the most of the overcast conditions. Josh Hazlewood and Mitchell Starc bowled with precision and movement, dismantling India’s top order early.
Hazlewood dismissed Rohit Sharma (8) and later Shreyas Iyer, while Starc trapped Virat Kohli for a duck, leaving the visitors reeling at 21 for 2.
India skipper Shubman Gill was caught behind off Nathan Ellis for 10 before the first rain delay, reducing the side to 23 for 3 after 8.5 overs.
When play resumed, India were 45 for 4, with Hazlewood claiming his second wicket soon after.
KL Rahul provided some resistance with an enterprising 38 off 31 balls, including two sixes, before falling attempting a third big shot over the boundary. Late hitting from Nitish Reddy (19 not out) lifted India to 136 for 9 in their 26 overs.
“When you lose three wickets in the powerplay, you are always trying to play catch-up,” Gill said after the defeat. “But there are a lot of learnings for us from this game and some positives as well.”
Despite their efforts, India’s total was well below par on a surface that eased under lights, allowing Australia to cruise home with minimal trouble.
The second ODI will be played in Adelaide on Thursday, followed by the third and final match at the Sydney Cricket Ground on Saturday.
