Brisbane’s Gabba is set to host a thrilling clash as Harmanpreet Kaur’s Indian women’s cricket team takes on Australia in the opening ODI of the series on Tuesday. Fresh off their T20I series victory, India is hungry to script history in the 50-over format, where they’ve never beaten the hosts in a bilateral series.
Australia has dominated India comprehensively in ODIs, winning all 12 series contested between the two sides. Out of 61 total encounters, the Aussies have triumphed in 49, leaving India with just 12 victories. This stark record adds extra motivation for the visitors, who stunned Australia in the 2025 ODI World Cup semi-final with a commanding performance.
Key batters like Smriti Mandhana, who shone brightly in the T20s, will be pivotal. Expectations are high for Shefali Verma, Deepti Sharma, and Jemimah Rodrigues to fire, with Rodrigues particularly thriving against Australia’s bowling attack. In the pace department, Renuka Singh leads alongside Kranti Gaud, while Amanjot Kaur aims to contribute with both bat and ball.
Australia, stung by their T20 loss, seeks redemption. Alyssa Healy, playing her final ODI series before retirement, will look to make it memorable. The hosts are in solid form, winning four of their last five ODIs, but India has momentum with three straight wins in the format.
As the series unfolds, India has a golden chance to end their ODI jinx Down Under. Fans worldwide will watch if Harmanpreet’s army can turn the tide in this high-stakes opener.