PERTH — Australia secured a commanding seven-wicket victory over India in a rain-affected first One-Day International at the Perth Stadium on Tuesday, casting an early shadow over Virat Kohli’s much-anticipated international return, which was cut short by a first-ball duck. In a match reduced to 20 overs per side due to persistent rain, the hosts chased down a revised target of 137 with 17 balls to spare, showcasing a dominant all-round performance that left the visitors searching for answers.
A Frustrating Start and a Revised Target
The match began under ominous grey skies, with the toss delayed and the start pushed back. After India was put in to bat, the weather intervened once more, forcing the players off the field after just two overs. The lengthy delay ultimately led to the contest being shortened, a decision that significantly altered the dynamics of the game. The Indian innings, which had promised a fiery start, was reset to a 20-over slog, a format that often favors aggressive, power-hitting lineups.
Upon resumption, the Australian pace attack, led by the formidable Mitchell Starc, immediately found its rhythm on a pitch offering considerable bounce and seam movement. The Indian top order, known for its class and composure, was rattled by the relentless accuracy and pace of the Australian bowlers. The pressure told almost immediately, culminating in a moment that sent a shockwave through the stadium and across social media.
Kohli's Golden Duck Dampens Return
The most anticipated moment of the match came in the third over of the Indian innings. Virat Kohli, returning to the national side after a short break and fresh off a triumphant T20 World Cup campaign, walked out to a roaring reception. The stage was set for a classic Kohli masterclass. However, it was over in an instant. Facing Mitchell Starc, Kohli attempted to drive a full, swinging delivery outside off stump, only to edge it straight to Marnus Labuschagne at first slip. The dismissal left Kohli stranded on a two-ball duck and the Indian innings in early disarray at 8/2. The silence from the predominantly pro-Indian crowd was deafening.
Former Australian cricketer and commentator, Brett Lee, noted the significance of the moment, stating, "That's a huge psychological blow for India. To have your premier batsman, the man the entire innings is built around, dismissed for a duck in his first game back, it sets a tone for the entire series. Starc is a nightmare for any batter in these conditions, and he proved it again."
Despite the disastrous start, a fighting partnership between Shreyas Iyer and the ever-reliable wicket-keeper batsman, KL Rahul, provided some stability. Iyer looked particularly fluent, striking the ball cleanly in his 28-run cameo. However, the Australian bowlers continued to chip away at the wickets, preventing any single partnership from truly dominating the innings. The middle order failed to fire, with key players falling at regular intervals. The Indian innings ultimately stuttered to a below-par 141/8 from their allotted 20 overs, a total that always seemed manageable on a good batting surface.
- Mitchell Starc: 3/24 in 4 overs
- Josh Hazlewood: 1/18 in 4 overs
- Glenn Maxwell: Surprise package with 2/22 in 3 overs
A Clinical Australian Chase
In response, Australia's chase was a model of efficiency and controlled aggression. The revised target of 137 from 20 overs meant a required run rate of under seven, and the Australian openers, David Warner and Travis Head, came out with clear intent to seal the game early. They blazed away in the powerplay, putting the Indian seamers under immediate pressure and effectively neutralizing any hope of an early breakthrough for the visitors.
The pair added 61 runs in just 6.5 overs, with Head being the more aggressive partner. His dismissal for 33 off 19 balls brought Steve Smith to the crease, who seamlessly continued the momentum alongside Warner. The Indian bowling attack, missing the penetration of Jasprit Bumrah, looked uncharacteristically flat, struggling to find the right lengths on the Perth pitch. Warner, playing with characteristic flair, brought up a well-compiled half-century, his 60th in ODIs, before holing out to deep mid-wicket off Mohammed Shami for 53 from 41 deliveries.
Australian captain, Pat Cummins, praised his team's comprehensive performance in the post-match presentation, saying, "It was a really professional performance from the boys. The bowlers set the tone, Starcy with that big wicket of Kohli, and then the batters were clinical. To restrict a strong Indian batting line-up and then chase it down with ease, it's the perfect start to the series."
Smith and Labuschagne Seal the Win
With the foundation firmly laid, the experienced duo of Steve Smith and Marnus Labuschagne guided the team home without any further alarms. Smith, playing with his usual textbook elegance, finished unbeaten on 35, while Labuschagne provided solid support with 21 not out. Their unbroken 48-run partnership exemplified the depth and calmness in the Australian batting lineup, as they cantered to the target with 17 balls to spare.
The ease of the victory will be a major concern for the Indian team management. The batting collapse, heavily reliant on a few individuals, and the lack of bite in the bowling department on a helpful pitch highlighted areas that need urgent addressing. For a team building towards the 2023 ICC Cricket World Cup, this performance served as a stark reminder of the challenges of playing Australia in their own backyard.
Looking Ahead to the Series
This convincing win gives Australia a crucial 1-0 lead in the three-match series. The teams will now travel to Adelaide for the second ODI, where India will be desperate to level the series and prove that this performance was merely a blip. The spotlight will once again be on Virat Kohli, and how he and the team respond to this adversity will define the remainder of the contest. For Australia, the victory reinforces their strength at home and provides a massive confidence boost as they fine-tune their own World Cup preparations. The stage is set for a compelling battle in the next encounter.