PERTH: Australia registered a commanding seven-wicket victory over India in the opening match of the three-match One Day International series. Chasing a revised target of 131 runs, the hosts comfortably reached the goal with four overs and five balls remaining, losing only three wickets. Skipper Mitchell Marsh anchored the innings with an unbeaten 46 off 52 deliveries.

Rain shortened the contest to 26 overs a side. Batting first, India posted 136 runs for the loss of nine wickets, after which Australia’s target was revised to 131 under the rain rules. With this convincing win, Australia took a 1–0 lead in the series.

At the Optus Stadium in Perth, Indian bowlers found it difficult to contain the Australian batters. Marsh guided the chase with three sixes and two boundaries, while wicketkeeper Josh Philippe (37 off 29 balls) and debutant Matt Renshaw (21 off 24 balls) offered solid support.

In the first ODI itself, India’s batting lineup crumbled against Australia’s sharp bowling attack. Despite the shortened 26-over format, India struggled to build momentum and finished their innings at 136 for nine.