IND-W vs AUS-W | Ruthless Aussies punish wasteful India to earn routine win in first ODI

Opting to bat first, India got off to a confident start with Smriti Mandhana and Pratika Rawal combining for eight boundaries in the powerplay to take the score to 55/0. The duo showed no signs of stopping even once the field spread, as they brought up their fifth century stand in the 18th over in ODI cricket with individual fifties following soon after. It took a massive mix-up in the 22nd over to finally break the rhythm as Smriti tried to take a run where there was none to return to the hut for an authoritative 58 off 63 deliveries. A sharp slow-down followed thereafter as the momentum swung and eventually culminated in Pratika departing for 64 off 96 while trying to push the run rate. Skipper Harmanpreet Kaur could not stay long either before being struck plumb by Annabel Sutherland, and the hosts found themselves 163/3 with 16 overs to go. Harleen Deol, who had quietly been watching thus far at the other end, took the cue to play aggressor and began with a couple of boundaries off Ashleigh Gardner in the 36th over before making it a six and a four off Alana King in the next, helping herself to a run-a-ball 50. However, a shot too many had her stranded out of the crease and Alyssa Healy made no mistakes to execute a swift stumping in the 41st over. Jemimah Rodrigues (18 off 26) and Richa Ghosh (25 off 20) also fell in quick succession after contrasting cameos but Radha Yadav and Deepti Sharma combined for 29 runs in the last three overs to set a target of 282. 

In response, India nearly got off to the perfect start when Sneh Rana had Phoebe Litchfield lob a catch to short mid-wicket when still on nought but Jemimah let down a sitter, setting the tone for the rest of the evening. Litchfield made sure to capitalize with two boundaries in the next two overs while skipper Healy also got into the act at the other end, dispatching five boundaries in her 23-ball stay. Kranti Goud eventually brought about her demise in the seventh over for a well-made 27 but it was little respite as the formidable Ellyse Perry walked in next. Together with Litchfield, the duo added 80 for the second wicket in just 13 overs, courtesy a dropped chance of each before the veteran had to take off with cramps when on 30. Nevertheless, the foundation for the chase was firmly established, and Beth Mooney needed to second invitation to cash in. In typical clinical fashion, the batter motored along even after Litchfield fell for a sensational 80-ball 88, and let Annabel Sutherland take on the striking duties. The all-rounder struck two fours in the 32nd over after a scratchy start, and there was no looking back for the visitors thereafter. Mooney ended on 77 off 74 while her partner took home a 47-ball fifty, their 116-run stand taking Australia across the line with eight wickets and nearly six overs to spare. 

Good win for Australia there!

Good game!

Ind-W need to comeback stronger!

LOL!

Wait what? hahaha! xD

No comments!

Brilliant batting from Aussies!

Yupe!

Never ending.....