In a dramatic start to the ODI series against Australia, the Indian women’s team set a target of 215 but faltered to 214 all out in Brisbane. Fresh off a thrilling 2-1 T20I series win on Australian soil, India aimed to extend their dominance into the 50-over format. However, at Allan Border Field, their batting lineup crumbled under pressure after winning the toss and electing to bat first.
The innings began disastrously. On the second ball of the match, opener Pratikar Raval was dismissed for a golden duck, leaving India at 0-1. Smriti Mandhana then steadied the ship alongside Shefali Verma, forging a 25-run stand for the second wicket. Verma disappointed, scoring just 4 off 17 balls before departing.
Mandhana continued her rescue act, partnering with Jemimah Rodrigues for 27 runs to push India past 50. Rodrigues made 8. The standout partnership came next: Mandhana and captain Harmanpreet Kaur added 48 runs off 72 balls for the fourth wicket, helping India cross the 100-run mark. Mandhana fell for a gritty 58 off 68 balls, laced with seven boundaries.
Kaur took charge thereafter, crafting a composed 53 off 84 deliveries with three fours. She combined with Richa Ghosh for 37 runs and then with Kashvee Gautam for a crucial 53-run stand. Ghosh contributed 23 off 38 balls (2×4), while Gautam smashed 43 off 44, providing late momentum to reach a respectable total.
Australia’s bowlers struck back effectively. Ashley Gardner led with 3-33, supported by Megan Schutt’s 2 wickets. Darcy Brown, Alana King, Tahlia McGrath, and Sophie Molineux each claimed one. India’s playing XI featured Mandhana, Raval, Verma, Kaur (c), Rodrigues, Ghosh (wk), Deepti Sharma, Gautam, Sri Charani, Kranti Gaur, and Renuka Singh Thakur. Australia fielded Alyssa Healy (c), Phoebe Litchfield, Georgia Voll, Beth Mooney (wk), Annabel Sutherland, Gardner, McGrath, Molineux, King, Schutt, and Brown.
As Australia begins their chase, the pressure is on them to overhaul 215 on a pitch offering assistance to bowlers. India’s bowlers will look to defend this total aggressively in what promises to be a tense opener.