The three-match ODI series between India and Australia kicked off in dramatic fashion on 19 October at the iconic Perth Stadium. The opening game, reduced to 26 overs per side due to rain, has already delivered intense moments and unexpected turns.
Australian captain Mitchell Marsh won the toss and opted to bowl first on a moisture-laden surface. The decision immediately paid off as the Indian top order crumbled under relentless pace and movement.
India’s innings got off to a poor start, losing four big wickets for just 45 runs. Captain Rohit Sharma (8), Shubman Gill (10), Virat Kohli (0) and Shreyas Iyer (11) departed early, putting enormous pressure on the middle order.
Amid the collapse, KL Rahul and Axar Patel stitched together a crucial partnership that helped India recover. Together, they took the score to 84, rebuilding the innings with composure against disciplined Australian bowling.
KL Rahul emerged as India’s top scorer with a responsible knock of 38 runs off 31 balls, hitting two fours and two sixes. Axar Patel supported well with 31 runs, while Nitish Kumar Reddy remained unbeaten on 19 to push India to a respectable total.
By the end of 26 overs, India managed 136 runs for the loss of nine wickets.
India’s Batting Scorecard (136/9 in 26 overs):
- Rohit Sharma – 8
- Shubman Gill – 10
- Virat Kohli – 0
- Shreyas Iyer – 11
- KL Rahul – 38
- Axar Patel – 31
- Washington Sundar – 10
- Nitish Kumar Reddy – 19*
- Harshit Rana – 1
- Arshdeep Singh – 0
- Mohammed Siraj – 0*
Australian Bowling Highlights:
Australia shared the spoils with an impressive collective performance:
- Josh Hazlewood – 2 wickets
- Mitchell Owen – 2 wickets
- Matthew Kuhnemann – 2 wickets
- Mitchell Starc – 1 wicket
- Nathan Ellis – 1 wicket
With a target of 13 runs in 26 overs, Australia will back themselves to chase comfortably, but the Indian bowling attack is expected to fight hard to make a match out of it. Both teams know that an early lead in a short series can be decisive.
Fans now await whether India can pull off a spirited defense or if Australia cruise to a 1-0 lead.
