Rohit, Kohli Disappoint As Australia Register Easy 7-Wicket Win In 1st ODI

Australia defeated India by seven wickets in a rain-hit first ODI at Perth, led by Mitchell Marsh’s unbeaten 46.

Australia registered a convincing seven-wicket win over India in the rain-affected first ODI at Perth Stadium, marking their first-ever victory at the venue. Skipper Mitchell Marsh led from the front with a composed 46* off 52 balls, guiding his team home after the bowlers set the tone early in the contest. The match, repeatedly interrupted by rain on four occasions, was eventually reduced to 26 overs per side.

After being asked to bat first, India’s innings never really took off. The top order collapsed early, with Shubman Gill, Rohit Sharma, and Virat Kohli departing cheaply, leaving India struggling at 25/3. Kohli’s dismissal for a duck off Mitchell Starc added to the woes.

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KL Rahul tried to rebuild with a steady 38 off 41 balls, hitting two fours and two sixes, while Axar Patel contributed 31 off 33 deliveries. Debutant Nitish Kumar Reddy provided late fireworks with an unbeaten 19 off just 11 balls, which included two sixes.

Despite their efforts, India could only manage a modest total before being bowled out. Josh Hazlewood was the standout bowler with figures of 2/20, while Starc (1/22) and others maintained disciplined spells to restrict India effectively.

Chasing the target, Marsh set the tone with aggressive stroke play from the outset. Although Travis Head (9) and Matthew Short (8) fell early to Arshdeep Singh and Axar Patel respectively, Marsh kept Australia in control. He smashed three sixes, two of them over the cover region, showcasing his dominance against the young Indian bowling attack.

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Josh Philippe added a brisk 37 off 29 balls, forming a vital 55-run stand with Marsh for the third wicket. Debutant Matt Renshaw supported his captain with an unbeaten 21* and hit the winning run in the 22nd over. Axar (1/19) bowled economically, but Marsh’s authoritative innings sealed Australia’s 1-0 lead in the series.