Australia cruise to 7-wicket win as Kohli, Rohit falter on ODI return

The much-anticipated return of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma to India’s one-day lineup proved short-lived on Sunday, as both stars failed to make an impact in the rain-interrupted first ODI against Australia.

- MPOST BUREAU

The hosts cruised to a seven-wicket win at the Optus Stadium, chasing down a revised target of 131 in 21.1 overs to take a 1-0 lead in the three-match series.

Persistent showers reduced the game to 26 overs per side, but India's batting wilted against a disciplined Australian attack. Put in to bat first, the visitors managed only 136 for nine, with KL Rahul' fluent 38 off 30 balls being the lone bright spot in an otherwise brittle performance. Australia, led by local hero Mitchell Marsh, overhauled the target with ease despite losing a couple of early wickets.

Travis Head's dismissal to Arshdeep Singh for 7, caught by Harshit Rana at deep third man, gave India a brief glimmer of hope. Matthew Short too departed cheaply. However, Marsh steadied the innings with an unbeaten 46 off 52 balls, guiding his side home with a 55-run stand alongside Josh Philippe, who contributed a lively 37 from 29 deliveries.