Australia Women continued their dominance in the ODI series against India Women, clinching a five-wicket victory to take a 2-0 series lead and tighten their grip on the contest.
Batting first, India produced a mixed innings, finishing on 251/9 after moments of promise were undone by a lack of consistency in the middle and lower order.
The foundation was laid by opener Pratika Rawal, who once again impressed with a composed half-century (52). She was well supported by vice-captain Smriti Mandhana, who made 31, as the pair stitched together a 78-run opening stand to give India early stability.
However, Australia struck back through disciplined bowling, and India lost momentum as Jemimah Rodrigues departed for 11, unable to convert her start. Captain Harmanpreet Kaur once again led from the front, smashing a fighting 54, holding the innings together as wickets fell around her. The lower order struggled to build partnerships, but debutant Vaishnavi Sharma provided a late spark, striking at a 200 strike rate to remain unbeaten on 10* adding crucial runs in the death overs.
Australia’s bowling attack was clinical, with Annabel Sutherland, Alana King, and Ashleigh Gardner claiming two wickets apiece, ensuring India never fully capitalised on their starts.
Chasing 252, Australia suffered an early setback as captain Alyssa Healy was dismissed for 6, but what followed was a batting masterclass that tilted the game decisively in their favour.
Youngsters Phoebe Litchfield and Georgia Voll stitched together a commanding 119-run partnership, dismantling the Indian bowling attack with confidence and composure. Litchfield played the supporting role to perfection, scoring a fluent 80, while Voll was simply outstanding. Voll smashed a breathtaking 101 off just 82 balls, bringing up her 2nd ODI century in emphatic fashion. Her innings was marked by fearless stroke-play, smart running, and a calm presence under pressure.
After Litchfield’s dismissal, Voll continued to dominate, adding 82 runs for the fourth wicket with Beth Mooney, who chipped in with 31. Ashleigh Gardner added further impetus with 19*, ensuring Australia crossed the line with wickets in hand.
For India, Kashvee Gautam and Deepti Sharma picked up two wickets each, but the effort was not enough to halt Australia’s momentum.
Despite being the reigning ODI World Cup champions, India endured a disappointing outing, marked by porous fielding, missed opportunities, and an inability to apply sustained pressure during Australia’s chase. Australia, on the other hand, showcased their depth, composure, and fearless batting approach, with Georgia Voll’s century emerging as the defining moment of the match.
With a 2-0 lead, Australia have put India firmly on the back foot as the series progresses to the last match before the teams enter the test match; while India will need sharper execution and improved fielding if they hope to stage a comeback.
