Australia set 131-run target by India in rain-affected Perth ODI
What's the story
The first ODI between Australia and India at Perth's Optus Stadium was marred by rain interruptions, reducing it to a 26-over-a-side affair. Being invited to bat, India managed to score 136/9 wickets in their allotted overs. Axar Patel (31), KL Rahul (38), and Nitish Kumar Reddy (19*) led India's fightback after a top-order collapse. Australia were set a revised target of 131 runs (26 overs) due to the rain delays.
Match disruptions
Gill's captaincy debut marred by low score
The series opener that marked Shubman Gill's ODI captaincy debut saw India struggle in the first hour. Rohit Sharma departed after playing a resounding straight drive. India lost their next wicket in the form of Virat Kohli. His dismissal left India reeling at 21/2. Kohli struggled for seven straight balls before falling to Mitchell Starc. Skipper Gill, who hung around for a while, was then dismissed by Nathan Ellis in the ninth over.
Interruptions
Perth ODI affected by rain interruptions
While Axar Patel and Shreyas Iyer began India's fightback, rain briefly halted play in Perth. The match was cut down to 49 overs per side. However, another rain break after a while pushed the officials to reduce the match to 35 overs per side. The third rain break came when India were down to 52/4 in 16.4 overs. It became a 26-over-a-side affair thereafter. India had also lost Iyer (11 off 24 balls) by then.
Innings breakdown
Late flourish despite collapse
After the break, Axar and Rahul kept India afloat by rotating the strike. However, with Axar falling to Matthew Kuhnemann in the 20th over, India were down to 84/5. Rahul then stepped on the gas, taking India past 100. He accelerated by striking Matthew Short for consecutive sixes. Mitchell Owen finally dismissed Rahul for a 31-ball 38. India slumped to 124/9 before debutant Nitish Reddy's 11-ball 19* bolstered them. He hammered 2 sixes.
Bowling brilliance
Australia's bowlers shine in overcast conditions
Australia's bowlers capitalized on the overcast conditions in Perth. Josh Hazlewood was particularly effective, taking two wickets for 20 runs in his seven overs (2 maidens). Left-arm spinner Matthew Kuhnemann and pacer Mitchell Starc also claimed a wicket each. Despite the rain interruptions, Australia's bowlers maintained their composure and kept India's innings in check throughout the match.