Perth: In a rain-affected first ODI at Perth, India managed to post 136 runs for the loss of nine wickets in a match reduced to 26 overs, setting Australia a modest target of 131 to chase after the DRS adjustment. Continuous showers forced the match officials to shorten the contest, adding extra pressure on both teams.

India, having lost the toss and opting to bat first, stumbled out of the gate. Early dismissals of Rohit Sharma for 8, Virat Kohli for a duck, and Shubman Gill for 10 left the team reeling at a precarious position. Shreyas Iyer also fell cheaply, scoring 11, deepening the early crisis for the visitors.

Amid the chaos, KL Rahul anchored the innings with a resilient 38 runs, while Axar Patel contributed a vital 31, forming a partnership that steadied the innings. Debutant

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