In a gripping encounter at the Ninja Cricket Stadium in Hobart, the Indian women’s cricket team won the toss and elected to bat first in the second ODI of the series against Australia. Facing early pressure after the first match loss, India posted a competitive total of 251 for 9 in their 50 overs, setting Australia a challenging target of 252 runs.
The innings kicked off promisingly with openers Pratiketa Rawal and Smriti Mandhana forging a solid 78-run stand for the first wicket. Mandhana fell for 31 off 37 balls, smashing four boundaries, while Jemimah Rodrigues managed just 11 before departing. Rawal anchored the innings with a gritty 52, but her dismissal along with Deepti Sharma for 1 left India reeling at 103 for 4.
Captain Harmanpreet Kaur then took charge, playing a captain’s knock of 54 off 70 balls, including two fours and a six. Her steady partnerships with the lower order rescued the innings. Amanjot Kaur contributed 13, Richa Ghosh 22, Kashvee Gautam 25, and Kranti Gaud 19. Debutant Vaishnavi Sharma remained not out on 10 off 5 balls, adding late flourish.
Australia’s bowlers struck back effectively. Ashley Gardner claimed 2 for 39 in 10 overs, Alana King took 2 for 41, and Annabel Sutherland grabbed 2 for 37. Megan Schutt and Nicola Carey picked up one wicket each, keeping the scoring rate in check.
With the series at 0-1, India desperately needs this win to level the series. Australia now faces the task of chasing 252 on a pitch offering assistance to bowlers. Can Harmanpreet’s team bounce back? The chase promises excitement.