Australia kicked off their women’s ODI series against India with a strong eight-wicket victory in New Chandigarh on Sunday. The match marked the first international game at the shiny new Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium, and it was a thrilling chase that saw Australia take a 1-0 lead in the three-match series.
India won the toss and chose to bat first, putting up a solid 281/7 in 50 overs. Openers Smriti Mandhana and Pratika Rawal set the tone with a fantastic 114-run partnership on a flat pitch. Pratika smashed her sixth ODI fifty, scoring 64 off 96 balls with six boundaries, while Smriti looked in top form with 58 off 63 balls—her 32nd half-century featuring six fours and two sixes—before an unfortunate run-out by Phoebe Litchfield.
Harleen Deol kept the momentum going in the middle overs, notching her fourth ODI fifty with 54 off 57 balls, including four boundaries and two sixes. But India lost a few quick wickets around her, slowing things down. Late fireworks from Richa Ghosh (25), Radha Yadav (19), and Deepti Sharma (20 not out) boosted the total past 280, matching India’s joint second-highest score against Australia in women’s ODIs.
Australia’s bowlers fought back well. Pacer Megan Schutt starred on her 100th ODI milestone—becoming the ninth Australian to reach the mark—with 2/45. Kim Garth, Annabel Sutherland, Alana King, and Tahlia McGrath each grabbed a wicket to restrict India.
Chasing 282, Australia made it look easy, finishing at 282/2 in just 44.1 overs. Phoebe Litchfield stole the show with a brilliant 88, proving her class against spin bowling once again. But India dropped her twice—once on zero and again on 56—which turned out to be a big mistake.
Captain Alyssa Healy gave a quick start with 45 in a 45-run opening stand before chopping onto her stumps off Kranti Goud. Phoebe then built a 79-run partnership with Ellyse Perry, who retired hurt on 30 due to a calf strain. After Sneh Rana dismissed Phoebe, Beth Mooney and Annabel Sutherland took over with an unbeaten 116-run stand off 104 balls. Beth remained not out on 77, and Annabel smashed 54 not out to seal the win with nearly six overs to spare.
Australia dominated the middle overs, racing to 196/1 while India managed only 152/3 in the same phase. India’s spinners couldn’t curb the run flow, and despite a brief fightback after Healy’s dismissal, Australia’s deep batting lineup and cool heads made the chase a clinical affair.
This win highlights Australia’s strength in women’s ODI cricket, setting up an exciting series decider. Fans can’t wait for the next match!
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