The highly anticipated first One Day International between India and Australia in Perth was heavily impacted by rain, leading to a stop-start, shortened affair. Despite the challenges, Australia’s bowlers asserted their dominance, restricting India to a modest total of 136 for 9 in 26 overs. The revised target for Australia is now a manageable 131 in 26 overs under the DLS method.
The Struggle Against the Bowlers and the Weather
India’s innings was a narrative of struggle against both the relentless Australian bowling attack and the constant interruptions from the weather gods. The start was particularly disappointing for Indian fans, as the much-anticipated comeback of the veteran stars turned sour. Opener Rohit Sharma was the first to depart, nicking Josh Hazlewood for just eight runs. Moments later, the massive blow came when Virat Kohli mistimed a shot off Mitchell Starc and was dismissed for a duck, leaving the team reeling and sending the two key batsmen back to the pavilion cheaply. Shubman Gill was also strangled down the leg side, completing a punishing first 10 overs for India.
Multiple rain delays punctuated the day, with the match being reduced from an initial 50-over contest to 35, then 32, and finally a 26-over sprint.
Rahul and Axar Provide Resistance
As the top order faltered, it was the middle order, led by KL Rahul and Axar Patel, who provided the much-needed stability and push for a defendable total. Rahul played a crucial knock, settling into the number 5 spot he has made his own, eventually top-scoring with 38 runs. He showcased his intent with a couple of big shots, including the first two sixes of the innings.
Axar Patel also contributed a vital 31 runs, finding the boundary rope twice in an over as the pair attempted to accelerate the scoring after another rain break. However, both batsmen fell at critical moments, with Axar falling to Kuhnemann and Rahul caught trying to clear long-on.
Late Fireworks from Reddy
The final push came from debutant Nitish Kumar Reddy, who ensured the Indian bowlers had something tangible to defend. Reddy, who was presented his ODI cap by Rohit Sharma before the match, smashed two sixes in the very last over, staying unbeaten on 19. His late heroics, alongside contributions from Washington Sundar and others, pushed the total past the 130-mark.
Australian Bowlers Shine
The Australian bowling unit was clinical, with Hazlewood and Starc setting the tone early on. Kuhnemann and Owen also picked up key wickets through the middle and death overs, showcasing the depth of Australia’s new-look side, which features two debutants.
With only 131 runs needed off 26 overs, the home side are undoubtedly the favourites. India will need their bowlers to pull off an extraordinary performance under the lights in Perth to defend this modest total and prevent Australia from taking an early lead in this bilateral series.
Key Events Recap:
- Target Set: Australia need 131 to win in 26 overs.
- Late Boost: Nitish Reddy hits two sixes in the final over, India finish on 136/9.
- Wickets Tumble: Owen picks up two in an over, dismissing KL Rahul and then Sundar.
- Crucial Partnership: KL Rahul (38) and Axar Patel (31) were the backbone of the innings.
- Early Collapse: Rohit Sharma (8) falls to Hazlewood; Virat Kohli departs for a duck to Starc.
- Rain Woes: The match was interrupted multiple times, reducing it to a 26-over contest.