Australia won the three-match ODI series 2-1 after defeating India by 43 runs in a high-scoring encounter at Delhi. Opting to bat first on a pitch that was ideal for strokeplay Australia posted a colossal total of 412 with standout performances from Beth Mooney who smashed 138 runs off just 57 balls and solid contributions from Georgia Voll 81 and Ellyse Perry 50. Australia’s innings started aggressively, with Alyssa Healy providing a quick start before being dismissed early. Voll and Perry then took charge guiding Australia to 77/1 by the end of the PowerPlay. Voll who Harmanpreet Kaur dropped capitalized on the reprieve to raise her maiden ODI fifty in just 43 balls.
Once Mooney arrived Australia’s innings accelerated further. Her stunning century made in just 57 balls was the second-fastest in Women’s ODIs trailing only Meg Lanning’s 45-ball effort. Mooney’s knock dominated the latter stages and although India managed to pick up a few wickets towards the end, including a run-out of Mooney Australia finished strong posting their highest-ever total in ODIs at 412 all out. Despite losing wickets in the final overs they had set an imposing target that proved difficult for India to chase.
India’s response began with a blistering start from Smriti Mandhana who struck three consecutive boundaries in the third over and raced to her fifty off just 23 balls. Her scintillating form continued as she brought up a record-breaking 50-ball century the fastest by any Indian woman in ODIs eclipsing Virat Kohli’s long-standing record. Mandhana’s knock of 125 kept India on track and the team finished the PowerPlay at 96/2 keeping the run rate well above the required pace. Harmanpreet Kaur also joined the fray quickly scoring 50 off 32 balls which added to India’s hopes of completing the chase.
However, Australia’s bowlers struck crucial blows as both Mandhana and Harmanpreet were dismissed in successive overs. While Deepti Sharma continued to battle scoring 72 runs wickets continued to fall at regular intervals. India’s chase faltered after the dismissals of key players like Richa Ghosh and Radha Yadav leaving them with too much to do. Deepti and Sneh Rana fought back with a 65-run partnership but India’s situation worsened when Deepti was dismissed in the 43rd over. Ultimately India was bowled out for 369 in the 47th over falling short by 43 runs.
Australia’s total of 412 proved too much for India despite Mandhana’s remarkable effort and Deepti’s resilience. The match highlighted Australia’s all-around strength with key contributions from their top-order and a solid bowling performance in the latter stages of India’s chase. The win gave Australia a 2-1 series victory securing their victory in this high-octane encounter.
