Australia Women Triumph Over India in Thrilling Third ODI, Clinching Series 2-1

In an electrifying conclusion to the Australia Women’s tour of India, Australia secured a hard-fought 43-run victory over India Women in the third and final ODI, sealing the series 2-1. The match, played in front of a lively crowd, showcased some of the most explosive batting performances seen in women’s cricket this year and highlighted the rising competitiveness of the sport.

Australia Sets a Formidable Target

Opting to bat first, Australia Women came out aggressively and posted a mammoth total of 412 runs. Beth Mooney was the star of the innings, smashing 138 runs off just 75 balls, filled with 16 boundaries and a six, anchoring Australia’s high-scoring effort. Phoebe Litchfield added to the momentum with a quick 88 off 80 balls, while Annabel Sutherland remained unbeaten on 52, ensuring Australia reached a challenging total for India.

Even Ellyse Perry, who struggled with calf cramps, managed to contribute, proving the depth and resilience of the Australian side. The team’s aggressive approach created one of the highest ODI totals in recent women’s cricket, putting enormous pressure on the Indian batting lineup.

India’s Fighting Response

Chasing 413, India mounted a courageous response. Smriti Mandhana produced a record-breaking performance, scoring 125 runs off just 57 balls, becoming the fastest Indian to score an ODI century. Her innings featured 14 fours and four sixes, keeping India firmly in contention throughout the chase.

Supporting Mandhana, Harmanpreet Kaur scored a quickfire 50, while Deepti Sharma contributed 72 runs off 58 balls. Sneh Rana added a crucial 65-run partnership with Sharma, providing hope for a miraculous chase. Despite their valiant effort, India fell short, finishing at 369 runs in 47 overs. The mounting required run rate proved too challenging, handing Australia the victory.

Notable Milestones and Initiatives

The match was significant beyond just the cricket. Both teams donned pink jerseys to raise awareness for breast cancer, showcasing women’s cricket’s commitment to social causes. Individual brilliance was on full display, with Mandhana’s record-setting century highlighting her growing influence in Indian cricket.

Australia’s win marked their 11th bilateral series triumph over India, reinforcing their dominance in the format while India showcased the depth and talent of their side, promising exciting performances in upcoming tournaments.

Looking Forward

As the series concludes, both teams will reflect on their performances. For Australia, the victory serves as a confidence booster ahead of global competitions, while India, despite the loss, demonstrated resilience and talent that could be pivotal in future matches. Fans can look forward to continued growth in women’s cricket, with such thrilling contests elevating the sport to new heights.