IND vs AUS / Australia Defeats India by 7 Wickets in First ODI, Gill's Captaincy Debut Ends in Loss

Team India faced a comprehensive defeat in the first One-Day International against Australia in Perth, while under the captaincy of Shubman Gill, India's campaign began on a disappointing note as Australia secured a convincing 7-wicket victory, taking a 1-0 lead in the three-match series. The match was reduced to 26 overs per side due to persistent rain interruptions.

Australia's Dominant Chase

After losing the toss and being put in to bat, the Indian team got off to a poor start. Rohit Sharma was dismissed for just 8 runs, while Virat Kohli failed to open his account. Captain Shubman Gill also struggled, scoring only 10 runs off 18 balls, while india found themselves three wickets down for just 25 runs. Rain then frequently interrupted play, shortening the game. For India, wicketkeeper-batsman KL Rahul top-scored with 38 runs, supported by Axar Patel's crucial 31. India posted 136 for 9 in their 26 overs, with Australia's DLS revised target set at 131 runs, while josh Hazlewood, Mitchell Owen, and Matthew Kuhnemann picked up two wickets each for Australia. Chasing 131, Australia's start wasn't ideal either, as Travis Head departed for 8 runs in the second over. However, Mitchell Marsh and Matthew Short then stitched a 34-run partnership for the second wicket. After Short's dismissal, Mitchell Marsh and Josh Philippe took charge, building a vital 55-run stand for the third wicket. Philippe contributed 37 runs off 29 balls. Mitchell Marsh was the highest scorer for Australia with 46 runs, while Matt Renshaw remained unbeaten on 21. Australia comfortably reached the target in 21. 1 overs. For India, Arshdeep Singh, Axar Patel, and Washington Sundar claimed one wicket each.