The Australian Women's cricket team registered a comprehensive 6-wicket victory over India Women in the opening match of the three-match ODI series at the Allan Border Field in Brisbane. 3 overs. 2 overs. The victory gives the hosts a 1-0 lead in the series, highlighting their dominance in the 50-over format on home soil.
India's Top Order Struggles in Brisbane
India's innings got off to a precarious start as they lost opener Pratika Rawal for a duck in the very first over. The pressure continued to mount as Shafali Verma was dismissed shortly after, leaving the team at 25/2.2 overs. The Australian pace attack utilized the early morning conditions effectively, extracting bounce and movement that troubled the Indian top order and prevented any early momentum from building.
Mandhana and Harmanpreet Stabilize the Innings
Amidst the falling wickets, vice-captain Smriti Mandhana showed resilience and class. She anchored the innings with a well-constructed 58 off 68 balls, including 7 boundaries. Mandhana found a reliable partner in captain Harmanpreet Kaur, and together they attempted to rebuild the Indian innings. Harmanpreet played a captain's knock, scoring 53 runs off 84 deliveries. Their half-centuries provided the backbone of the Indian total, but the lack of a substantial partnership beyond their stand prevented India from reaching a more competitive score above the 250-run mark.
Lower Order Collapse Limits India to 214
The Indian middle and lower order failed to capitalize on the platform set by Mandhana and Kaur. Deepti Sharma and Richa Ghosh were unable to provide the late-innings flourish required to push the total past 250. The Australian bowlers maintained tight lines, forcing errors from the Indian batters. 3 overs, failing to bat out their full quota of 50 overs. The disciplined Australian bowling performance ensured that the target remained well within their reach on a pitch that favored batting as the day progressed.
Clinical Run Chase by Healy and Mooney
Australia's pursuit of 215 was marked by clinical efficiency and aggressive intent. Captain Alyssa Healy led from the front, scoring a brisk half-century to set the tone for the chase. She was ably supported by Beth Mooney, who top-scored for the hosts with a fluent 76. Although the Indian bowlers managed to pick up four wickets, they couldn't stem the flow of runs. 2 overs with 70 balls to spare, demonstrating their depth and experience in handling run chases in international cricket.
Series Standings and Upcoming Fixtures
With this win, Australia takes a 1-0 lead in the three-match ODI series. The result places India in a must-win situation for the remaining two matches to clinch the series. While the half-centuries from Mandhana and Kaur were positive takeaways for the visitors, the lack of support from the rest of the batting lineup and the inability of the bowlers to defend 214 will be areas of concern. The teams will now prepare for the second ODI, where Australia will look to seal the series and India will aim to level the scores.