India vs Australia 1st ODI 2025: A Upset at Perth -

The opening match of the three‑game ODI series between India national cricket team and Australia national cricket team on October 19, 2025 at Optus Stadium in Perth turned out to be more dramatic than anticipated. Rain interruptions, top‑order collapses, debutants, and a clinical chase made it a textbook case of “got to work/evaluate quickly” for India. Here’s a full rundown — what went right, what went wrong, and what lies ahead.

The Big Picture

Australia won by 7 wickets (via DLS) after chasing a revised target of 131 in 26 overs. India managed 136/9 in their 26 overs after rain shortened the match.
Key numbers:

India: 136/9 in 26 overs.
Australia: 131/3 in 21.1 of 26 overs (target 131)
Player of the Match: Mitchell Marsh (46* off 52)
India’s top stars (Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli) returned but failed.
New India captain Shubman Gill had a tricky start: 10 runs.

It marked India’s first ODI defeat in 2025 and handed Australia the early momentum in the series.

What India Did Well

Some late resistance: After a shaky start, India’s middle‑order (notably Axar Patel with 31 off 38 and KL Rahul with 38 off 31) attempted to rebuild.
Bowling showing glimpses: Despite the loss, the bowlers did well to keep Australia on a target of 131 (revised) and made the chase shorter than a full 50‑over game.
Debut for Nitish Kumar Reddy: He showed intent with 19 not out off 11 in a difficult situation.

What Went Wrong for India

Top‑order disaster: Rohit (8), Gill (10), Kohli (0), Iyer (11) — India were 45/4 at one stage. A disastrous start in a rain‑affected game.
Failure to take advantage of conditions: With rain shortening the game to 26 overs, a brisker start might have set a more imposing target. Instead, India slipped.
Australia’s chase felt too smooth: The target was modest, and Australia wrapped it up with overs to spare. The pressure was less than it could have been.
Capture the momentum? Not yet: India’s world‑class stars merit higher returns; this match exposed some fragility under pressure.

Highlights of the Australian Side

Marsh – the steady hand: Mitchell Marsh’s unbeaten 46 anchored the chase. Calm under pressure, he steered the ship.
Josh Philippe – quick fire cameo: Philippe (37 off 29) added impetus and didn’t let India dominate the early bowling.
Seizing the new‑ball: Australia’s bowlers (especially Hazlewood) made early inroads which India couldn’t recover from.
Composure in conditions: Rain + shortened match = liner chasing, but Australia handled the extras and conditions better.

Looking Ahead: What India Must Fix

Top‑order solidity: When stars like Rohit and Kohli return, they’re expected to deliver. The next games demand better starts.
Adaptation to interruptions: Rain‑affected matches demand flexible plans: more aggressive early phases, fewer collapses.
Building meaningful partnerships: India lacked a big partnership. In collapsed start, the middle‑order attempted, but it may be too late.
Utilising home away series: Touring Australia is tough. From a loss to series win is possible—but requires learning quickly.
Team morale and momentum: Losing the opener demands bounce‑back: mental strength will matter.

Final Thoughts

The 1st ODI might not go down as a classic match for either side, but for India it serves as a wake‑up call.雨‑affected, shortened, with a low target, yet the defeat stings because of expectations and the top‑order collapse. Australia played smart, executed well, and made India’s life difficult.

For fans of Indian cricket: this is the moment to dig deep rather than panic. The series is still alive. With adjustments, India can bounce back. For Australia: the opener win is reward for staying composed and grabbing the moment.

The next match will be crucial. Will India respond with grit and fire? Or will Australia extend the grip? Stay tuned.