Australia's stand-in captain Mitchell Marsh was thrilled to overcome a "strange" ODI opener against India, while he also lauded his team's newcomers. 

Marsh starred for Australia at Optus Stadium as the hosts claimed a seven-wicket triumph in a rain-affected first encounter of a three-match series.

The 33-year-old plundered 46 runs from 52 balls to help Australia to victory, while also becoming the eighth player from his nation to hit 100 sixes in the format. 

Indeed, Marsh is also just the fourth Australian batter after Glenn Maxwell, Aaron Finch and David Warner to hit a century of maximums in white-ball cricket.

Josh Philippe also played his part in the triumph with his 37 from his 29 deliveries, while Matthew Kuhnemann, Mitchell Owen and Josh Hazlewood took two wickets apiece. 

Philippe's knock marked an impressive return to the format after a four-year hiatus, while ODI debutant Owen ended with figures of 2-20. 

"It was a strange game. Weather played a part and big thanks to the fans for sticking around. Good to get a win. Always nice to win at home. I love playing here," Marsh said.

"It was obviously swinging around a little bit, so that was a challenge to get through, but proud of the way our young guys took the game on.

"Philippe came in and made it easy! The young guys coming in, you want them to come in and enjoy.

"I said to the group that you don't get to play ODIs in front of big crowds often, so go out and enjoy."

Australia win the 1st ODI by 7 wickets (DLS method). #TeamIndia will look to bounce back in the next match.

Scorecard https://t.co/O1RsjJTHhM#AUSvIND pic.twitter.com/0BsIlU3qRC

— BCCI (@BCCI) October 19, 2025

India, meanwhile, saw their eight-game winning streak in men's ODIs brought to an end, while they have lost four of their last six bilateral ODI series played away from home.

The result also ensured defeat in Shubman Gill's first ODI as skipper, as he became the ninth captain to lose his first match in all three formats in men's internationals.

Gill believed that the early dismissals of Rohit Sharma (eight), Virat Kohli (0) and himself were pivotal in their eight-game winning streak in men's ODIs coming to an end.

"Never easy. When you lose three wickets in the powerplay, you're always trying to play catch up. There were a lot of learning and positives as well," Gill said. 

"Defending 130 in 26 odd overs, we took the game pretty deep, so we're satisfied with that. We're very fortunate that wherever we play, fans turn up in huge numbers."

The second match takes place in Adelaide on Thursday.