India Women Start ODI Series With Defeat
India began their ODI series against Australia with a six-wicket defeat at Allan Border Field in Brisbane on Tuesday. Despite a fighting batting effort led by Smriti Mandhana and Harmanpreet Kaur, the visitors could not defend a modest total of 214 runs.
Australia chased down the target comfortably, reaching 217/4 in 38.2 overs, bouncing back strongly after their recent T20I series loss.
Mandhana Reacts to Pitch Conditions
Speaking after the match, Indian vice-captain and stand-in skipper Smriti Mandhana admitted the pitch did not behave as expected.
“We started with the bat with two wickets down, which is never easy. We did really well to come back. The wicket didn’t play the way we thought it would,” Mandhana said during the post-match presentation.
Mandhana led the side in the absence of regular captain Harmanpreet Kaur, who is nursing a knee injury.
Update on Harmanpreet Kaur’s Injury
Mandhana offered a reassuring update on Kaur’s fitness:
“I haven’t seen her yet, but I think she’ll be fine.”
Looking ahead, Mandhana stressed the team would stay positive and focus on improving their batting totals in the remaining matches.
“We’ve been playing good cricket, so it’s not like we’ll change much after one loss. We have to come together as a batting unit and post a good total. We have two days to reflect and come back stronger,” she added.
India’s Innings: Mandhana and Harmanpreet Shine
Opting to bat first, India had a shaky start as Pratika Rawal was dismissed in the first over by Megan Schutt.
Shafali Verma struggled to get going and scored 4 off 17 balls before being caught and bowled by Darcie Brown. Jemimah Rodrigues followed soon after, managing just 8 runs.
Mandhana anchored the innings, scoring a well-crafted 58 off 75 balls, including seven boundaries, before falling to Tahlia McGrath.
Harmanpreet Kaur played a patient knock of 53 off 84 balls, adding stability in the middle order. Richa Ghosh contributed 23 off 38 balls, while Kashvee Gautam’s brisk 43 helped India cross the 200-run mark.
Australian Bowlers Dominate
Ashleigh Gardner was the standout bowler for Australia, picking up 3/33. Megan Schutt claimed two wickets, while Darcie Brown, Alana King, Tahlia McGrath, and Sophie Molineux chipped in with one wicket each.
Australia’s Chase: Mooney and Healy Lead the Way
Australia’s chase was led by Beth Mooney’s 76 and Alyssa Healy’s 50, setting the platform for a comfortable win. Shree Charani picked up two wickets for India but could not halt the Australian momentum.
Next Match Details
The second ODI of the series will be played at Bellerive Oval in Hobart on Friday, where India will look to bounce back and level the series.
Brief Scores
India Women: 214 all out in 48.3 overs
(Smriti Mandhana 58, Harmanpreet Kaur 53; Ashleigh Gardner 3/33)
Australia Women: 217/4 in 38.2 overs
(Beth Mooney 76, Alyssa Healy 50; Shree Charani 2/41)