New Delhi, Oct 19: Australia, led by Mitchell Marsh, defeated Shubman Gill’s India by seven wickets in a rain-curtailed first ODI of the three-match series at Optus Stadium in Perth. The game was reduced to 26 overs per side after persistent showers disrupted play.

India, who welcomed back Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli to international action, had a disappointing outing as both senior batters fell cheaply for 8 and 0, respectively. The visitors managed to post 136 runs, courtesy of useful contributions from KL Rahul (38 off 31), Axar Patel (31 off 38), and Nitish Kumar Reddy (19 off 11). For Australia, Josh Hazlewood, Matthew Kuhnemann, and Mitchell Owen picked up two wickets apiece, while Mitchell Starc and Nathan Ellis chipped in with one each.

In response, Australia comfortably chased down the target in 21.1 overs with seven wickets in hand. Although Arshdeep Singh dismissed the dangerous Travis Head early for 8, Marsh’s unbeaten 46, supported by Josh Philippe’s 37 and Matt Renshaw’s 21, guided the hosts to victory. Arshdeep, Axar Patel, and Washington Sundar claimed a wicket each for India in a losing effort.