NEW DELHI: The first ODI between India and Australia in Perth was repeatedly interrupted by rain, leading to multiple reductions in overs - from 49 to 35, then 32, and finally 26 overs. After being put into bat, India managed 136/9 in the shortened contest.

However, after the Duckworth-Lewis-Stern (DLS) method was applied, Australia's revised target to chase was set at 131 runs. The DLS method is a mathematical formula used in cricket to calculate target scores when limited-overs matches are shortened due to interruptions like rain.

The reduction of Australia’s target came as a surprise, as it is usually increased when rain interrupts a match after it has started. Had India not lost so many wickets, the revised target would likely have been higher.

Earlier, the grand comeback party of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma lasted just 22 balls combined, and their lowkey appearance reflected in India's underwhelming batting performance in the rain-affected game.

India were struggling at 52 for four in 16.4 overs when rain halted the proceedings for the third time in the day.

But Axar Patel (31 off 38) and KL Rahul (38 off 31) gave momentum to India's innings after resumption to help the visitors reach at least a modest total after a dismal start.

Rahul was quite impressive in his knock, dealing with the bounce getting over the ball nicely. The straight drive and pull off Nathan Ellis off successive balls for fours were an absolute treat.

Rahul slipped into overdrive once spinners were introduced, and slammed Matthew Short for two successive sixes.

Debutant Nitish Kumar Reddy (19 not out off 11) played a very useful cameo towards the end.