Australia delivered a stunning performance in Perth, defeating India in the opening ODI of the series despite missing nearly their entire first-choice lineup. Without Pat Cummins, Glenn Maxwell, Adam Zampa, Cameron Green, Alex Carey, Josh Inglis, and Marnus Labuschagne, the Australian side was expected to struggle against a full-strength Indian team. Instead, they displayed grit, depth, and tactical awareness to secure a seven-wicket victory and take a 1–0 lead in the three-match series.
Rain played a role in reducing the game to 26 overs per side, but that did not diminish the magnitude of Australia’s triumph. India, batting first, managed only 136 for nine, a total that looked below par even on a pitch with some bounce. The usually dependable top order faltered badly. Rohit Sharma was dismissed early, and Virat Kohli, returning after a long break, registered a rare duck in Australia. With the two senior pros back in the pavilion, India’s innings never gained rhythm. Shreyas Iyer and Suryakumar Yadav tried to rebuild, but both fell to deliveries that nipped away just enough to find the edge.
For Australia, the bowling effort was nothing short of clinical. Despite lacking their main strike bowlers, the attack showed precision and discipline. The seamers extracted movement under overcast skies, while the part-time spinners kept things tight in the middle overs. Every bowler stuck to their plan, maintaining pressure and preventing India from stitching together partnerships. The fielding, too, was sharp — a hallmark of Australian cricket that often turns half-chances into wickets.
When rain further interrupted play, the target for Australia was adjusted to 131 runs under the DLS method. Chasing modest totals can sometimes become tricky affairs, especially after long breaks or when teams are missing experienced heads. But the Australian batting unit handled the chase with composure. Captain Mitchell Marsh led from the front with a composed knock, while youngsters like Josh Philippe and Ben McDermott provided timely support. They rotated the strike smartly, punished anything loose, and ensured that the Indian bowlers never got a foothold.
India’s bowlers fought hard, but defending 131 was always going to be difficult. Mohammed Siraj and Jasprit Bumrah bowled probing spells with the new ball, but the lack of scoreboard pressure meant Australia could take their time. Kuldeep Yadav and Axar Patel tried to use the slower surface to their advantage, but the Australian batters were in no mood to take risks. The chase was completed in 21 overs, sealing a commanding win for the visitors.
The result is a major confidence boost for Australia, who managed to outplay India without several established names. It also highlights the impressive depth in their white-ball setup, where replacements can step up and perform seamlessly at international level. For India, however, the defeat raises serious questions about their batting consistency and approach in limited-overs cricket. With so many experienced players in the lineup, failing to adapt to conditions and losing wickets in clusters continues to be a worrying pattern.
This victory will be remembered not just for the result but for the message it sent — Australia strength lies not only in their superstars but also in their bench. Even when stripped of seven key players, they were organized, confident, and ruthless. For India, the lesson is clear: no match can be taken lightly, and every collapse comes with consequences. As the series moves forward, the pressure will be squarely on the hosts to respond and reclaim momentum before it slips away entirely.