Australia Women Dominate India to Clinch ODI Series with Five-Wicket Win
In a commanding display of batting prowess, Australia Women defeated India Women by five wickets on Friday, taking an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match ODI series. The victory was spearheaded by stellar performances from Georgia Voll, who scored a brilliant 101, and Phoebe Litchfield, who contributed a rapid 80, as Australia chased down India's total of 251/9 with 13.5 overs to spare.
India's Innings: Half-Centuries from Rawal and Harmanpreet
India posted a competitive total of 251/9, built around half-centuries from opener Pratika Rawal and captain Harmanpreet Kaur. Rawal faced 81 balls for her 52, hitting six fours, and added 78 runs for the opening wicket with Smriti Mandhana, who scored 31 before being bowled by Ashleigh Gardner. Mandhana had earlier survived two dropped chances, highlighting India's fielding struggles.
Jemimah Rodrigues fell for 11, caught behind off Annabel Sutherland, while Deepti Sharma managed only 1 before being caught at deep mid-wicket off Alana King. King also dismissed Richa Ghosh leg-before for 22, putting pressure on the middle order.
Harmanpreet anchored the innings with a composed 54 off 70 balls, adding a crucial 55 runs for the seventh wicket with Kashvee Gautam, who made 25. This partnership helped India cross the 200-mark, but the team could only manage 251/9 in their allotted overs.
Australia's Chase: Voll and Litchfield Shine
In reply, Australia lost Alyssa Healy early for 6, bowled by an inswinger from Kashvee Gautam. However, Voll and Litchfield then took charge, adding 119 runs for the second wicket to set up a comfortable chase.
Voll was given three lifelines during her innings. On 19, she was dropped by Kranti Gaud at long-on off Deepti Sharma. Later, Smriti Mandhana missed a catch at deep mid-wicket off Gautam. She reached her century after Richa Ghosh failed to hold onto a catch down the leg side, allowing a single. Voll's 101 came off just 82 balls, featuring 13 fours and a six.
Litchfield was equally impressive, scoring 80 off 62 balls with 11 fours and a six. She was eventually bowled by Gaud while attempting a ramp shot, with the ball hitting the top of middle stump. Despite India picking up two late wickets, Australia completed the chase with ease.
Series Context and Upcoming Matches
With this win, Australia now leads the all-format series 6-4. The third ODI is scheduled for Sunday at the same venue, followed by a one-off Test. India will need to regroup quickly to salvage pride in the remaining matches.
Key Takeaways:
- Australia's batting depth proved too strong for India's bowling attack.
- Fielding errors cost India dearly, with multiple dropped catches.
- The series victory underscores Australia's dominance in women's cricket.
As the teams prepare for the final ODI, fans can expect a spirited contest, with India aiming to avoid a series whitewash and Australia looking to maintain their winning momentum.
