IND vs AUS: Australia Women initiated their three-match ODI series against India Women on a winning note, securing an emphatic eight-wicket triumph in the first ODI played at New Chandigarh. Pursuing 282, the Aussies were bolstered by smooth half-centuries from Phoebe Litchfield, Beth Mooney, and Annabel Sutherland to lead the 1-0 count in the IND vs AUS series.
India’s Imposing Batting Performance Sets Target of 281
Having won the toss and decided to bat, India Women scored a fighting total of 281 for 7. Their innings was kept together by the contributions of fifties by Smriti Mandhana, Pratika Rawal, and Harleen Deol. By losing wickets at frequent intervals, India ensured that they had a healthy run rate, laying down what appeared to be a defendable total.
Top Indian Batters in 1st ODI:
Smriti Mandhana – Held the innings together with a well-timed fifty.
Pratika Rawal – Solid debut knock.
Harleen Deol – Offered good back-up during the middle overs.
Australia’s Response: Litchfield Takes Charge of the Chase
Australia started the chase with purpose as Alyssa Healy and Phoebe Litchfield began in attacking style. But Healy’s bright knock was cut short when she was bowled by Kranti Goud for 20. Litchfield, dropped on 0 by Jemimah Rodrigues, made India regret the drop.
Phoebe Litchfield’s Spin-Masterclass
Litchfield was especially dominant against India’s attack replete with spinners. Her innings was full of flair with sweeps, reverse sweeps, and even a switch hit as she dominated the slower bowlers. She reached her half-century in 44 balls.
Fielding Errors Haunt India Women
India’s poor fielding was a turning point in the IND vs AUS match. The hosts dropped up to four catches, two chances off Litchfield, and one each of Ellyse Perry and Beth Mooney. These missed chances helped the Australian batters settle in and take control.
Missed Chances:
- Jemimah dropped Litchfield at 0
- Rawal dropped Perry at deep midwicket
- Harmanpreet spilled Litchfield once more at covers
- Deepti Sharma dropped Mooney at extra cover
- Perry Injury, But Not Enough to Slow Australia
Ellyse Perry, who scored a swift 30, retired injured from a calf strain. Even her departure could not slow the momentum, however, as Mooney and subsequently Sutherland ensured that it never waned.
Beth Mooney and Annabel Sutherland Seal It
Mooney scored her 19th ODI half-century with an authoritative performance, being especially severe on loose balls. Sutherland, having started nervously, found her rhythm with boundaries and reached her half-century in 47 deliveries. The partnership of the duo saw Australia sail to the target with 15 balls remaining.
Final Scorecard – IND vs AUS 1st ODI
| Team | Score |
| India Women | 281/7 (50 overs) |
| Australia Women | 282/2 (47.3 overs) |
Key Takeaways from India Women vs Australia Women 1st ODI
India’s dropped chances came at a cost.
Australia’s top order was tactically astute against spin.
Read More
Litchfield was Player of the Match for her game-changing innings.
India must improve fielding and death bowling before the next ODI.
ALSO READ: IND vs PAK: Gautam Gambhir’s Big U-Turn – Patriotism in Public, Compromise in Power
