By Sports Desk | October 18, 2025
Australia started their tour of India on a high, clinching the 1st ODI in Chennai with a convincing 6-wicket victory over the hosts. India’s batting lineup — led by Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma — struggled to find rhythm as Australia’s disciplined bowling attack dominated the day.
🇮🇳 India’s Batting Collapse
After being asked to bat first, India managed just 236 runs in 49.3 overs.
Openers Rohit Sharma (18) and Shubman Gill (27) failed to convert their starts, while Virat Kohli (21) fell cheaply after a mistimed flick landed safely in midwicket’s hands.
The middle order, too, couldn’t capitalize.
Shreyas Iyer (32) and KL Rahul (41) offered some resistance, but quick wickets in the middle overs derailed India’s momentum.
“We were 40-50 runs short of a competitive total,” skipper Rohit Sharma admitted after the match.
“Our shot selection wasn’t great, and we couldn’t build partnerships.”
🇦🇺 Australia’s Clinical Chase
Chasing 237, Australia made the target look easy.
David Warner (73 off 82) gave the visitors a strong start, while Marnus Labuschagne (58) anchored the middle overs.
Even after Warner’s dismissal, Steve Smith (45 not out) guided the chase calmly alongside Glenn Maxwell, who finished the game with a couple of big sixes.
Australian captain Pat Cummins praised his team’s composure:
“It was a great all-round effort — the bowlers set it up, and the batters finished strong. That’s the cricket we want to play ahead of the series.”
Key Bowling Performances
For Australia, Josh Hazlewood (3/32) and Adam Zampa (2/42) were the standout performers.
Zampa, in particular, troubled India’s middle order with sharp turn and smart variations.
From India’s side, Jasprit Bumrah (2/45) and Kuldeep Yadav (1/39) bowled with control but lacked enough runs to defend.
Match Summary
India: 236 all out (49.3 overs)
KL Rahul 41, Shreyas Iyer 32, Hazlewood 3/32, Zampa 2/42
Australia: 237/4 (43.1 overs)
Warner 73, Labuschagne 58, Bumrah 2/45
Result: Australia won by 6 wickets
Player of the Match: David Warner
What’s Next?
The next ODI will be played in Nagpur on October 20, where India will look to bounce back strongly.
With the T20 World Cup approaching, both sides will be eager to fine-tune their combinations.
FAQs:
1. Who won the 1st ODI between India and Australia?
Australia defeated India by 6 wickets in Chennai.
2. Who was the top scorer for India?
KL Rahul scored 41 runs, the highest for India.
3. Who was named Player of the Match?
David Warner won the award for his match-winning 73.
4. When is the next India vs Australia ODI?
The 2nd ODI will be played in Nagpur on October 20, 2025.
5. How did Kohli and Rohit perform?
Both failed to make an impact — Rohit scored 18, and Kohli managed only 21 runs.
