Seamers’ Symphony in Perth: Australia Outpaces India Amid Rain Delays

Image Source: Cricbuzz

Australia clinched a dominant seven-wicket victory over India in a rain-hit first ODI at Perth, powered by deadly pace bowling from Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood. India’s top order collapsed early in challenging conditions, managing just 136/9 in 26 overs. Australia chased comfortably to take a 1-0 series lead.

In a rain-interrupted 26-over ODI at Perth’s Optus Stadium, Australia’s pace attack delivered a clinical performance to overpower India by seven wickets in the opening match of the 2025 series. The game saw four rain stoppages that interrupted play, but the Australian bowlers’ relentless precision turned the contest decisively in their favor.

India, sent in to bat under overcast skies and a lively pitch, struggled heavily against the hostile pace duo of Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood. Early breakthroughs left India reeling at 25 for 3 within the first nine overs. Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli returned to international cricket but failed to make any impact, dismissed by sharp deliveries from Hazlewood and Starc respectively, with Kohli recorded his first duck in Australia ODIs.

Shubman Gill, making his ODI captaincy debut, also succumbed early, joining the quick wickets that left the Indian innings fragile. The top order’s inability to cope with the moving ball under these conditions was a theme throughout the innings. Although KL Rahul and Axar Patel attempted to stabilize the innings with a gritty 39-run partnership, the total score was limited to 136 runs for 9 wickets.

Australia’s reply was steady, with captain Mitchell Marsh anchoring the chase with a well-paced 46 runs and Josh Philippe supporting with an elegant 37. The teams efficiently negotiated the revised DLS target of 131 runs, reaching it in just over 21 overs, cementing Australia’s first ODI win at this venue and establishing a 1-0 lead in the series.

India’s bowlers struggled to contain the Australian batsmen, with inconsistent lines and lengths allowing the hosts to build crucial partnerships. The absence of top bowlers like Jasprit Bumrah was felt strongly as the Australian batsmen dominated the chase with assured confidence.

Key Highlights:

The match was heavily affected by rain, reducing the contest to 26 overs per side.
India’s top order collapsed early against Australia’s fast bowlers Starc and Hazlewood.
Kohli and Sharma returned but had short innings, contributing 0 and 8 runs respectively.
Shubman Gill, on his ODI captaincy debut, scored 10 before getting out cheaply.
KL Rahul and Axar Patel formed a resilient partnership to add some stability.
Australia comfortably chased the DLS adjusted target of 131 runs in 21.1 overs.
Mitchell Marsh’s unbeaten 46 and Josh Philippe’s 37 guided Australia to victory with seven wickets in hand.
Rain interruptions altered the game flow but Australia maintained control with disciplined bowling and batting.

Australia’s dominant pace and clinical execution under pressure were critical in dismantling India’s batting lineup. India will seek to regroup as this loss marks a challenging start to their ODI campaign in Australia.

Sources: Cricbuzz, ESPNcricinfo, India Today, NDTV Sports, Times of India.

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