Half-centuries from Phoebe Litchfield, Beth Mooney, and Annabel Sutherland powered Australia to a commanding eight-wicket victory over India in the first women’s ODI of the three-match series on Sunday.
Electing to bat first in the first-ever international match at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium in New Chandigarh, India posted a competitive 281/7, thanks to fifties from Smriti Mandhana, Pratika Rawal, and Harleen Deol.
However, India’s fielding lapses – including two dropped catches of Phoebe Litchfield, one on zero and another on 56 – proved costly as Australia chased down the target with nearly six overs to spare. Litchfield top-scored with a classy 88, once again showcasing her prowess against spin.
Despite Ellyse Perry retiring hurt on 30, Mooney ensured Australia’s chase stayed on track with an unbeaten 77, while Sutherland struck a brisk 54 not out. The pair added an unbroken 116-run stand off just 104 balls to take Australia to a 1-0 lead in the series.
Alyssa Healy gave the visitors early momentum with a 45-run opening stand before chopping on to her stumps off Kranti Goud. Litchfield then shared a 79-run partnership with Perry before falling to Sneh Rana. From there, Mooney and Sutherland took control to guide Australia home with ease.
Australia’s middle-overs dominance was a key factor, scoring 196/1 compared to India’s 152/3 during the same phase. India’s spinners struggled to contain the flow of runs, and despite a brief period of control after Healy’s dismissal, the visitors’ batting depth and composure ensured a clinical finish.
Earlier, Pratika and Smriti laid a solid platform for India with a 114-run opening stand on a true surface. Pratika top-scored with 64 off 96 balls – her sixth ODI fifty, laced with six boundaries – while Smriti made 58 off 63 balls, her 32nd ODI half-century, before being run out by Litchfield.
Harleen Deol anchored the middle overs with 54 off 57 balls, striking four boundaries and two sixes for her fourth ODI fifty. However, India lost momentum as wickets fell regularly. Late cameos from Richa Ghosh (25), Radha Yadav (19), and Deepti Sharma (20 not out) helped India cross the 280-run mark – their joint second-highest total against Australia in women’s ODIs.
For Australia, Meghan Schutt – playing her 100th ODI and becoming the ninth Australian woman to achieve the feat – was the pick of the bowlers with 2/45. Kim Garth, Annabel Sutherland, Alana King, and Tahlia McGrath took one wicket apiece.
Brief Scores:
India: 281/7 in 50 overs (Pratika Rawal 64, Smriti Mandhana 58, Harleen Deol 54; Meghan Schutt 2/45, Alana King 1/28)
Australia: 282/2 in 44.1 overs (Phoebe Litchfield 88, Beth Mooney 77*, Annabel Sutherland 54*; Sneh Rana 1/51, Kranti Goud 1/55)
Result: Australia won by 8 wickets and lead the series 1-0.
(With inputs from IANS)