NEW DELHI: In a high-stakes encounter, the ODI series decider between India and Australia women’s cricket teams on Saturday at the Arun Jaitley Stadium marks a pivotal moment. It’s the final preparatory match before both squads head off for their month-long World Cup journey. Fresh off a historic away series victory against England in both ODIs and T20Is, the Indian women now have an even grander ambition. A victory today would not only secure Harmanpreet Kaur’s team their first-ever ODI series triumph over Australia but also provide an invaluable confidence boost just ten days before the major tournament begins.
Following a disappointing performance in the opening match at Mullanpur, India staged a spectacular comeback in the second ODI at the same venue, with their bowlers brilliantly supporting the batters to snap Alyssa Healy’s team’s impressive 13-match winning streak.
All-rounder Sneh Rana emphasized the significance of their second ODI win, stating, “It was crucial to win that second ODI. It brings a lot of confidence heading into the World Cup. Our coach’s (Amol Muzumdar) motto is to ‘fight back’. And in our mind, it is always there — to fight till the end.”
The Indian batting lineup has largely depended on its top order, with Smriti Mandhana being a standout performer throughout the series. The dynamic southpaw has been in exceptional form, racking up scores of 58 and 117 across the two matches, boasting an impressive overall strike rate of 113.63.
Although her opening partner Pratika Rawal and number three batter Harleen Deol contributed with half-centuries in the first match, the middle and lower order haven’t quite found their rhythm.
On the bowling front, there was a significant improvement in the second game, with all six bowlers taking wickets. Young seamer Kranti Goud particularly impressed. However, fielding remains a concern, with India having dropped a total of 10 catches across the two matches.
Meanwhile, Australia will be looking to bounce back fiercely after suffering one of their heaviest ODI defeats in history. They are determined to secure the series win against India and demonstrate that their recent loss was merely an anomaly. Australian all-rounder Ashleigh Gardner commented, “It (the second ODI) kind of shows the powerhouse that India are and I guess the strengths they possess. We got outplayed in all facets of the game and I guess looking forward there are plenty of things we can change going into tomorrow’s match.”