HOBART, Australia – In a display of absolute dominance, Australia demolished the Indian women’s cricket team by 185 runs in the third ODI, completing a flawless 3-0 series sweep. Chasing a mammoth 410-run target at Bellerive Oval on Sunday, India crumbled to 224 all out, handing Australia a historic victory.
The match served as a fairy-tale farewell for retiring Australian captain Alyssa Healy, who anchored the innings with a blistering 158 off 98 balls. Healy’s knock, studded with boundaries, propelled Australia to their third-highest ODI total of 409 for 7 in 50 overs. Beth Mooney complemented her with a classy 106 off 84, while Georgia Voll added a brisk 62 off 52.
India’s chase started disastrously. Smriti Mandhana fell for a duck, setting a shaky tone. Pratika Rawal managed 27 off 21 before Annabel Sutherland struck. Captain Harmanpreet Kaur, fresh off fifties in the first two games, labored to 25. Harleen Deol ran herself out for 14, and Jemimah Rodrigues’ aggressive 42 off 29, laced with nine fours, ended at Ashley Gardner’s hands.
Deepti Sharma scratched 29, Richa Ghosh was cleaned up by Alana King for 18, and Sneha Rana fought valiantly for 44 off 74. But regular wickets sealed India’s fate. King was the wrecker-in-chief, claiming 4 for 33 in 10 overs, with Georgia Wareham grabbing 2.
Earlier, Indian bowlers struggled against Australia’s firepower. Sneh Rana and Shri Charani leaked runs, taking 2 wickets each but conceding 66 and 106 respectively. Deepti and Renuka Singh managed one scalp apiece.
This crushing defeat caps a one-sided series, with Australia winning the first by 6 wickets and the second by 5. Healy’s swansong will be remembered as a masterclass in leadership and batting prowess, leaving India with lessons to ponder ahead of future battles.