INDIA FALLS SHORT DESPITE STRONG START; AUSTRALIA CLINCHES FIRST ODI COMFORTABLY
- Shivani Garg
- 15 September 2025
Introduction
India Women put up a competitive total on the board after a strong batting display, but Australia’s depth and composure in the chase ensured a commanding 8-wicket win in the opening ODI. Despite some standout performances from Smriti Mandhana, Pratika Rawal, and Harleen Deol, the hosts were undone by lapses in the field and a dominant Australian batting effort led by Phoebe Litchfield and Beth Mooney.
First Innings: India’s Strong Start, But Momentum Lost Late
Toss Advantage: Captain Harmanpreet Kaur won the toss and chose to bat, aiming to set a challenging target.
Top Order Firepower:
Smriti Mandhana (58 off 63) and Pratika Rawal (64 off 96) provided a steady 100+ opening stand.
Harleen Deol added a brisk 50 off just 50 balls, keeping the scoring rate healthy.
Middle & Lower Order: India faltered slightly in the middle overs, with the lower order adding handy runs through Deepti Sharma (20*) and Radha Yadav (19).
Final Score: India closed at 281/7 in 50 overs, a total that looked competitive on paper.
Second Innings: Australia’s Confident Chase
Positive Start Despite Setback: Alyssa Healy (27) fell early, but Australia never looked rattled.
Phoebe Litchfield’s Anchor Role: The left-hander played a fluent 88 off 80 balls, striking 14 boundaries, and controlled the chase.
Partnership Power:
Ellyse Perry scored 30 before retiring hurt with a calf niggle.
Beth Mooney (77* off 74) and Annabel Sutherland (54* off 51) stitched together a calm, unbeaten stand.
Finish: Australia comfortably chased down 282/2 in 44.1 overs, with 35 balls to spare.
Key Turning Points
Indian Fielding Errors: Dropped catches and lapses in the field eased pressure on Australia’s batters.
Tight Bowling by Australia: Restricting India in the middle overs prevented the total from crossing 300+.
Bowling Shortcomings: India’s attack failed to make breakthroughs, with Australia’s batters dictating the chase throughout.
Conclusion
India showcased strong batting intent but lacked the sharpness with the ball and in the field to truly test Australia. The visitors’ calm chase, led by Litchfield and Mooney, highlighted their superior depth and composure. With Australia going 1–0 up in the series, India will need sharper execution in bowling and fielding to bounce back in the next ODI.
