In a dominant display at Ninja Cricket Stadium in Hobart, Australia women’s cricket team secured a commanding 5-wicket victory over India in the second ODI on February 27, clinching an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match series. Chasing a modest target of 252, the hosts overcame an early setback to chase it down with composure.
Australia’s innings got off to a shaky start when their retiring captain Alyssa Healy departed for just 6 runs with the score on 21. However, opener Phoebe Litchfield and Georgia Wareham steadied the ship with a crucial 119-run partnership for the second wicket. Litchfield smashed 80 off 62 balls, including 11 fours and a six, before falling.
Wareham then anchored the chase with a magnificent century, scoring 101 off 82 deliveries laced with 13 boundaries and a six. She combined with Beth Mooney for an 82-run stand for the third wicket. Mooney contributed 31 off 34, while Annabel Sutherland added a quick 10 off 12. Ashley Gardner (19 off 14) and Tahlia McGrath (0*) ensured the team crossed the line in 36.1 overs.
India’s bowlers tried hard, with Kashvee Gautam and Deepti Sharma picking up two wickets each, and Kranti Gaud claiming one. Earlier, India batted first after winning the toss and posted 251/9 in 50 overs. Openers Pratika Rawal and Smriti Mandhana laid a solid 78-run foundation, but Mandhana fell for 31 off 37.
Jemimah Rodrigues managed only 11, and collapses saw Pratika (52) and Deepti (1) depart, leaving India at 103/4. Captain Harmanpreet Kaur played a rescue act, scoring a gritty 54 off 70 balls with a six and two fours. She guided the team with small partnerships, supported by Richa Ghosh (22), Amanjot Kaur (13), Kashvee (25), and Kranti (19). Debutant Vaishnavi Sharma remained not out on 10 off 5.
Australia’s bowlers struck back, led by Ashley Gardner, Alana King, and Annabel Sutherland with two wickets apiece, while Megan Schutt and Nicola Carey took one each. The series finale is set for March 1, but Australia has already sealed the trophy.