India’s women’s cricket team kicked off their ODI series against Australia with a strong batting display, posting 281/7 in 50 overs at the brand-new Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium in New Chandigarh. The top three batters—Pratika Rawal, Smriti Mandhana, and Harleen Deol—each smashed fifties to set a challenging target in this historic first international match at the venue.
Captain Smriti Mandhana won the toss and chose to bat first on a flat pitch that favored the batters. Openers Pratika and Smriti built a solid 114-run partnership, making light work of the new ball. Pratika led the charge with a top score of 64 off 96 balls, her sixth ODI half-century featuring six boundaries. Smriti looked in complete control too, notching up 58 off 63 balls—her 32nd ODI fifty—with six fours and two sixes. She fell to a run-out by Phoebe Litchfield, but not before laying a perfect platform.
“It’s a decent total, and we’re confident we’ll defend it,” Pratika told broadcasters during a mid-innings chat. She added with a smile, “It’s a no-brainer—I enjoy batting with her (Mandhana) more than she enjoys batting with me. It’s always great, and the way she attacks every ball is amazing to watch.”
Harleen Deol kept the momentum going in the middle overs, scoring a fluent 54 off 57 balls—her fourth ODI fifty—with four boundaries and two sixes. India lost a few quick wickets around her, slowing things down a bit. But late fireworks from Richa Ghosh (25), Radha Yadav (19), and Deepti Sharma (20 not out) boosted the scoring rate. Their efforts pushed India past 280, matching the team’s joint second-highest total against Australia in women’s ODIs.
Pratika explained the slower run rate later: “The pitch got a bit slower, probably due to the rain between overs. Australia’s bowlers mixed their pace well, which made it tricky.”
On the bowling front, Australia’s experienced pacer Megan Schutt shone on her 100th ODI, becoming the ninth Australian to reach the milestone. She grabbed 2/45. Kim Garth, Annabel Sutherland (who left the field due to heat issues), Alana King, and Tahlia McGrath each picked up one wicket.
Brief scores: India 281/7 in 50 overs (Pratika Rawal 64, Smriti Mandhana 58, Harleen Deol 54; Megan Schutt 2/45, Alana King 1/28) vs Australia.
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