New Delhi witnessed an extraordinary display of batting prowess: two breathtaking centuries, a staggering 99 fours, 12 sixes, and a combined total of 781 runs – marking the highest aggregate in women’s ODI history. Yet, despite this valiant effort, India faced a 43-run defeat as Australia’s women’s team secured the ODI series 2-1.
The Australians were clearly motivated, especially after suffering their biggest ODI defeat in the previous match at Mullanpur. They took to the crease with aggressive intent, and led by a magnificent century from Beth Mooney, Australia piled on an imposing 412 runs, matching their joint-highest total in ODIs, before eventually being bowled out in 47.5 overs.
However, if Australia believed the match was already in their grasp, Smriti Mandhana quickly proved them wrong. The elegant left-handed opener unleashed a blistering century, delivering the second-fastest in Women’s ODIs and the fastest ever by an Indian player, giving the visitors a significant scare. Undeterred by the massive target, Mandhana fearlessly attacked the Australian bowlers, effortlessly lofting and pulling her way to the boundary with remarkable regularity.
Despite the early dismissals of her opening partner Pratika Rawal (10) and Harleen Deol (11), Mandhana maintained her aggressive approach. With Captain Harmanpreet Kaur also contributing a quickfire half-century (52 runs off 35 balls, including 8 fours), India surged past the 200-run mark within the 20th over. Nevertheless, the swift departures of both Mandhana and Kaur in successive overs significantly dampened India’s spirited chase.
Mandhana’s superb innings concluded when she top-edged a full toss from Grace Harris to Ashleigh Gardner at deep backward square-leg. Her exceptional knock of 125 runs came off just 53 balls, featuring 17 fours and 5 sixes. Despite Deepti Sharma’s fluent 72 runs off 58 balls (7 fours, 2 sixes) later in the order, India was eventually bowled out for 369, their third-highest ODI total.
Earlier, the Australian innings was anchored by Beth Mooney, who played the lead role in their run rampage, smashing a career-best 138 runs off 75 balls (23 fours, 1 six). Georgia Voll (81) and Ellyse Perry (68) provided excellent support, contributing to what became an Australian blockbuster. The entire innings unfolded like a perfectly executed relay race, with Captain Alyssa Healy setting the initial pace with a brisk 30 runs off just 18 balls.
Brief scores: Australia Women 412 (Mooney 138, Voll 81, Reddy 3-86) defeated India Women 369 (Mandhana 125, Deepti 72, Harmanpreet 52) by 43 runs.