Nitish Reddy’s Debut Fireworks Rescue India In Rain-Struck Perth ODI

Originally posted on Cricfit | By Sarvang Bhola | Last updated Oct 19, 2025 12:55 PM ET

Debutant Nitish Reddy provided India with a late surge in the first ODI against Australia in Perth on Sunday, October 19. As the match was reduced due to multiple rain breaks, India needed some quick runs in the closing overs, and Reddy rose to the moment. Facing Matthew Kuhnemann in what turned out to be the final over of India’s innings, the youngster smashed two towering sixes that changed the tone of the finish.

One was slog-swept deep over mid-wicket, while the other sailed past long-on after he created room by clearing his front leg. Reddy ended unbeaten on 19 off 11 balls. His ODI selection stems from a standout 2024–25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy in which he scored 298 runs in nine innings, including a century at Melbourne, making him India’s second-highest run-getter of that series.

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A fighting comeback. @NKReddy07's late flourish on his debut gives #TeamIndia a strong finish. #AUSvIND 1st ODI | LIVE NOW https://t.co/FkZ5L4CrRl pic.twitter.com/u5GfIb0Gnv

— Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) October 19, 2025

Middle Order Rescues India As Top Order Collapses Against Disciplined Australian Attack

India’s top order struggled on the lively surface as Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli and skipper Shubman Gill all departed cheaply with scores of 8 (14), 0 (8) and 10 (18), respectively. Shreyas Iyer too fell early for 11 after mistiming a pull shot off Josh Hazlewood. Under pressure, KL Rahul and Axar Patel held the innings together with 38 (31) and 31 (38), injecting stability through steady rotation and boundary placement.

Their partnership ensured India avoided a total freefall before Reddy’s flourish added late thrust. For Australia, Hazlewood led the attack with movement and accuracy, while Mitchell Owen and Matthew Kuhnemann supported him well. The trio shared six wickets between them, consistently breaking rhythm through clever variations and lengths.

Australia Begin Cautiously; Series Heads To Adelaide For Second Face-Off

In reply, the Australian chase began with care and calculation as the hosts reached 11/1 in 1.4 overs when play halted again. Mitchell Marsh and Matthew Short occupied the crease at the time. With the first ODI setting up narratives of early collapses, impactful cameos and weather uncertainties.

Attention now shifts to the second ODI scheduled in Adelaide on Thursday, October 23. India will aim to repair their top order and build on Nitish Reddy’s promising debut spark, while Australia will look to maintain bowling discipline and seize early momentum in the series.

This article first appeared on Cricfit and was syndicated with permission.

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