Win Projections to be updated soon
Perth, October 19, 2025:
Mitchell Marsh ruined Shubman Gill’s debut as India’s ODI captain, guiding Australia to a comfortable win in a rain-hit series opener at the Optus Stadium on Saturday.
In damp and blustery conditions, the match was reduced to 26 overs a side after multiple rain delays, frustrating a crowd of 42,423. India, returning to one-day cricket for the first time since their Champions Trophy triumph in March, labored to 136 for 9. Australia’s revised target was set at 131, which they chased down in 22 overs to take a 1–0 lead in the three-match series.
Marsh anchored the innings with an unbeaten 46 off 52 balls, while ODI debutant Matt Renshaw finished 21 not out—his first international appearance since his Test debut nearly nine years ago. Openers Marsh and Travis Head had to contend with tricky seam movement under lights, with Head falling cheaply to Arshdeep Singh. Marsh initially dug in before launching into Arshdeep with a muscular six over midwicket and later controlled the chase despite taking a blow to the helmet from Mohammed Siraj.
Josh Philippe, back in the ODI side after four years, struck 37 from 29 balls to consolidate Australia’s chase. Left-arm spinner Axar Patel was India’s standout performer, taking two wickets and offering resistance with the bat.
Earlier, Josh Hazlewood’s outstanding spell of 2 for 20 from seven overs dismantled India’s top order. Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli struggled on their return—Rohit managing eight, while Kohli fell for a duck after edging Hazlewood to backward point. Gill’s own debut as captain ended at 10, as India never recovered amid frequent rain interruptions.
Despite a late burst from debutant Nitish Reddy, India fell well short. Marsh and Australia capitalised on improved evening conditions to seal a composed victory in the 22nd over.
The second ODI will be played at Adelaide on 23 October, while third and final ODI will be played in Sydney on 25 October.
