Rain-Hit Perth ODI: Kohli Ducks on Return, Sharma Hits Milestone
The first One Day International between India and Australia in Perth was significantly impacted by rain, leading to a reduced 26-over match. India struggled to a total of 136 for nine.
Virat Kohli, making his return to international cricket after a 224-day absence, was dismissed for a duck. This was a major setback for the Indian batting lineup, who were hoping for a strong start in the series.
Adding to the significance of the match, captain Rohit Sharma marked his 500th international appearance. However, his contribution with the bat was limited as he scored only eight runs.
KL Rahul emerged as the top scorer for India, contributing a valuable 38 runs. His innings provided some stability to the innings amidst the top-order collapse.
One positive note for India was the performance of debutant Nitish Kumar Reddy, who remained unbeaten on 19 off just 11 balls. His aggressive batting display offered a glimpse of his potential and provided some late impetus to the Indian innings.
Australia, in their chase, reached 29 for one before play was halted again. They require a further 131 runs to win the rain-shortened match and take a 1-0 lead in the series.
The match highlighted the challenges of playing cricket in unpredictable weather conditions. Despite the interruptions, both teams will be looking to adjust their strategies and secure a victory.
The Indian team will be keen to bounce back from this performance in the subsequent matches. Kohli’s return to form and Sharma’s experience will be crucial for India’s chances in the remainder of the series.
Disclaimer: This news article is based on publicly available information and may be subject to updates.
