Perth, October 19, 2025 — India’s batting lineup faltered in damp and tricky conditions at Optus Stadium, managing just 136 for 9 in the rain-curtailed 26-over-per-side first ODI against Australia. Seamers Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood led the charge with fiery spells that left the visitors struggling to find momentum.
Under dark clouds and persistent drizzle, the long-awaited return of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli ended in disappointment. Captain Shubman Gill, leading India in ODIs for the first time, also failed to make an impact as Australia took early control.
Hazlewood and Starc Wreck India’s Top Order
Hazlewood made the early breakthrough, removing Rohit Sharma (8) with a sharp delivery that climbed awkwardly and found the edge. Soon after, Mitchell Starc dismissed Virat Kohli for a duck — the former Indian skipper falling to a stunning catch by Cooper Connolly at backward point.
Hazlewood’s spell of 2 for 20 in 7 overs, featuring 35 dot balls, showcased masterful control in the seamer-friendly conditions. Starc and debutant Mitchell Owen also chipped in, while Matthew Kuhnemann claimed two wickets bowling at the death.
Gill’s Captaincy Debut Falls Flat
India’s new ODI captain Shubman Gill showed early promise with a classy boundary off Hazlewood but couldn’t convert it, gloving a leg-side delivery from Nathan Ellis to the keeper for 10. With the scoreboard reading 36 for 3, India’s middle order faced immense pressure.
Shreyas Iyer tried to counterattack but was undone by a sharp bouncer from Hazlewood, while KL Rahul (38) fought back with two late sixes to give India’s innings some respectability. Axar Patel (15) and debutant Nitish Reddy offered brief resistance before India folded for 136.
Rain Disrupts Play at Optus Stadium
Frequent rain interruptions made it a stop-start affair — marking the first rain-shortened ODI in Perth since 1983. Despite the challenging conditions, a vibrant pro-India crowd turned up in large numbers, cheering whenever Rahul and Axar attempted to lift the scoring rate.
Australia was set a revised target of 131 runs in 26 overs, positioning them strongly heading into their innings.
Key Highlights – India vs Australia 1st ODI 2025
Match: 1st ODI, India tour of Australia 2025
Venue: Optus Stadium, Perth
India: 136/9 (26 overs)
Top Scorer: KL Rahul 38 (32)
Best Bowlers (AUS): Josh Hazlewood 2/20, Mitchell Starc 1/19, Matthew Kuhnemann 2/25
Result: Australia required 131 runs to win (revised target due to rain)
