India’s Thrilling ODI Win Over Australia: Smriti Mandhana Shines with Century
India’s women’s cricket team bounced back in style, thrashing Australia by 102 runs in the second ODI at New Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium in New Chandigarh. This massive victory levels the three-match series 1-1 and sets up an exciting decider in New Delhi on Saturday. It’s India’s first home ODI win against Australia since 2007, and what a way to hand the world champions their heaviest defeat in the format!
Star of the show was vice-captain Smriti Mandhana, who smashed a brilliant 117 off 91 balls to earn the Player of the Match award. Her century came off just 77 balls—the second-fastest by an Indian woman in ODIs—and marked her third ton against Australia. But this one felt extra special. "The last two hundreds I scored against Australia were in losing causes, so I’m thrilled we won today," Smriti said with a smile. She kept it simple: "Our game plan was to attack in the Powerplay, build the innings, and go hard when the ball was in my zone."
India posted 299/5, thanks to Smriti’s fireworks and solid support from the middle order. Smriti explained their strategy: "Against a strong side like Australia, you need 280-290 to give our bowlers that extra edge. The pitch was flat, so I had to stay aggressive—just like I plan to do in the World Cup, no matter the conditions."
She also gave a shoutout to opening partner Pratika Rawal. "We make a great pair. She’s calm and composed, just like me. We keep things straightforward, and it’s working well. Hoping it continues!"
Captain Harmanpreet Kaur praised the team’s discipline and smart execution. "We’re thrilled with how we played—sticking to our plans and keeping it simple, just like we discussed in our last meeting," she said. Even though not everyone fired with the bat, India crossed 300. "Smriti got the big runs, but we have real depth now. Our six bowling options were spot on, creating chances even after a few dropped catches." Harmanpreet added that the series is a chance to test combinations: "Everyone stepped up and took responsibility today."
Australia skipper Alyssa Healy admitted her team got outplayed. "India were sharp in every department—great preparation for the World Cup," she said. "We held them back a bit, thinking they’d go past 300, but their new-ball bowling was tight. Straight lines, smart fields, and pace changes—we didn’t start well. Lots of learnings for those do-or-die moments ahead."
Seam all-rounder Arundhati Reddy was another hero, grabbing a key wicket and three catches. "Feels amazing! We planned hard after the first loss, and the bowlers delivered," she shared. India reached 290 on a good batting track, and Arundhati was glad to contribute. "I wanted to give my best, especially holding those crucial catches." On the fielding slips, she noted: "We’ve talked about it a lot. We came out with energy today and grabbed our chances in the big moments. We know we can be a top fielding unit."
This win boosts India’s confidence heading into the series finale and the upcoming World Cup. Fans are already buzzing—what a turnaround for the hosts!
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