Perth: KL Rahul’s 38 off 31 balls, supported by Axar Patel’s 31 and debutant Nitish Reddy’s late flourish helped India post 136/9 in a rain-marred 26-over innings after the top order collapsed in the opening ODI against Australia at the Optus Stadium on Sunday.

With the DLS method coming in, Australia need 131 runs to win in 26 overs.

The 50-over-a-side game was reduced to 26 overs per innings after multiple rain interruptions led to the match being delayed. To start with, the hosts put on a brilliant performance with the ball after winning the toss.

Josh Hazlewood handed his side an early breakthrough when he dismissed India’s ODI returnee Rohit Sharma for a 14-ball eight. The celebrations in the Australian camp doubled, with Mitchell Starc dismissing India’s second returnee, Virat Ko

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