Australia opened the ODI leg of the multi-format series on a confident note as captain Alyssa Healy guided her side to a composed win over world champions India Women at Allan Border Field. In seam-friendly conditions, Australia chased down a modest target with authority to draw level in the overall series.
The victory could not have come at a better time for Australia, who entered the ODI series under pressure after losing the T20I leg 2-1 and falling behind 4-2 on points. The hosts were further unsettled by the absence of senior all-rounder Ellyse Perry and fast bowler Kim Garth, both sidelined with quad injuries.
Australia’s bowlers laid the foundation after Megan Schutt, drafted in late, struck early to exploit the movement on offer. India were bundled out for 214 in the 49th over, with Ashleigh Gardner leading the attack with three wickets. Contributions also came from Alana King and Tahlia McGrath, both making effective returns in the ODI setup.
In reply, Australia lost early momentum but Healy’s calm presence ensured there was no panic. Opening the innings, the skipper anchored the chase with a well-judged 50 off 70 deliveries, striking the balance between caution and intent. Her innings was supported first by Phoebe Litchfield, and later by a match-defining knock from Beth Mooney, who top-scored with 76.
India had brief moments of hope, including a close lbw shout against Healy when she was on 12 and a double strike by left-arm spinner N Sree Charani, but missed chances proved costly. A dropped catch of Annabel Sutherland further dented their chances, as Australia cruised home in the 39th over.
Earlier, India’s innings had been held together by Smriti Mandhana, who continued her good form with a fluent half-century. Captain Harmanpreet Kaur added another fifty lower down the order, but a lack of support at the top meant India were always playing catch-up.
The loss leaves India facing an uphill task in their pursuit of a maiden ODI series win against Australia, while the hosts will take heart from a performance that restored momentum and belief ahead of the remaining matches.
