Australia Ends India's 8-ODI Winning Streak in Rain-Shortened Perth Match

Australia beat India by seven wickets in a rain-affected first ODI at Perth, chasing a DLS target of 131 in 21.1 overs after India were limited to 136 for 9 in a 26-over game. The much-hyped return of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma ended within 22 balls — Kohli for a duck and Rohit for eight in his 500th match — leaving India reeling early. Stand-in captain Mitchell Marsh (46 not out) and Josh Philippe (37) put on a decisive 55-run partnership to secure the win and give Australia a 1-0 lead in the three-match series. Indian pacers including Arshdeep Singh, Mohammad Siraj and Harshit Rana were unable to maintain control, offering easy runs that Marsh capitalised on, while persistent rain interruptions further disrupted India’s momentum. The loss ended India’s eight-ODI winning streak and set the tone for the rest of the series.