The Indian women’s cricket team is set to extend its dominance over Australia following a thrilling T20I series victory. After clinching the three-match T20I series 2-1, the focus now shifts to the upcoming ODI series, beginning February 24 in Brisbane. This three-match contest promises high-octane action as India aims to complete a rare double over the world champions.
The T20I series had all the drama fans crave. India kicked off with a 21-run win in the rain-shortened opener via Duckworth-Lewis-Stern method. Australia struck back in the second game, edging out a 19-run victory to level terms. The decider saw India prevail by 17 runs, securing the series with grit and determination.
Now, the ODI battles await. The first match unfolds at the Gabba in Brisbane on February 24, starting at 9:20 AM IST. The action moves to Bellerive Oval in Hobart for the second ODI on February 27, followed by the series finale on March 1 at the same venue, both at the same start time.
History favors Australia in ODIs, with 49 wins from 61 encounters since 1978, compared to India’s 12. But recent form suggests India could challenge that record. Captain Harmanpreet Kaur will lead a formidable squad featuring Smriti Mandhana, Shafali Verma, Jemimah Rodrigues, and wicketkeeper Richa Ghosh.
Australia, skippered by Sophie Molineux, boasts stars like Alyssa Healy, Ellyse Perry, and Ashleigh Gardner. Post-ODIs, a one-off Test awaits in Perth from March 6.
India’s squad: Smriti Mandhana, Shafali Verma, Jemimah Rodrigues, Prtitika Rao, Harmanpreet Kaur (c), Vaishnavi Sharma, Deepti Sharma, Amanjot Kaur, Harleen Deol, Sneh Rana, Richa Ghosh (wk), Uma Chetry (wk), Renuka Thakur, Sree Charani, Kranti Gaud, Kashvee Gautam.
Australia’s squad: Phoebe Litchfield, Georgia Voll, Ashleigh Gardner, Tahlia McGrath, Ellyse Perry, Georgia Wareham, Sophie Molineux (c), Nicola Carey, Kim Garth, Alana King, Annabel Sutherland, Alyssa Healy, Beth Mooney, Darcie Brown.
Cricket enthusiasts, mark your calendars. This series could redefine women’s cricket rivalries Down Under.