Perth: Skipper Mitchell Marsh shepherded Australia’s chase as the hosts clinched a comfortable seven-wicket win in the first ODI against India here at the Optus Stadium, taking a 1-0 lead in the three-match series.

Shubman Gill, leading India for the first time in an ODI since his appointment as the full-time captain, opened his captaincy career in the 50-over format with a loss.

Batting first, India faced a top-order collapse with veteran duo Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli struggling in their much-anticipated comeback to international cricket. The rain-marred match was reduced to 26 overs per side with India making 136 for 9.

Australia’s revised target was 131 runs off 26 overs, which the hosts chased down with 29 balls remaining .

Chasing 131, the hosts did suffer early blows, just li

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