Australia Women defeated India by 43 runs in the high-scoring third ODI of the three-match series in New Delhi. The match provided absolute entertainment for both the crowd and television viewers. Players from both teams hit boundaries and sixes freely, with a total of 781 runs scored, powered by two superb centuries.
Australia set a massive target of 412, powered by Beth Mooney’s blistering 57-ball century, the second-fastest in ODI history. India responded aggressively, led by vice-captain Smriti Mandhana, who scored the second-fastest century in women’s ODIs. Despite her heroics, India fell just 43 runs short in a thrilling series decider.
Australia Maintains Dominance
Australia protected their unbeaten record in bilateral ODI series in India. They remain strong ahead of defending their World Cup title in similar conditions. With the Women’s World Cup 2025 only ten days away, India faced a daunting target of 413 after Pakistan had nearly chased 313 in Lahore the day before. India surged at high speed, reaching 204 for 2 in just 20 overs. Yet Australia’s persistent bowling and timely wickets ultimately secured a 2-1 series win.
Mooney’s Century Powers Australia
Beth Mooney’s 57-ball century, aided by several Indian misfields, helped Australia post their total. Although a late collapse of six wickets for 34 runs briefly lowered their final score, Australia finished at 412 in 47.5 overs.
Mandhana Leads India’s Charge
India’s chase was anchored by Mandhana, who shared a 121-run partnership with captain Harmanpreet Kaur. However, Harmanpreet’s knee injury break allowed Australia to regain momentum. India lost three quick wickets in 19 balls, slowing their progress.
Sharma Keeps India in the Hunt
Deepti Sharma, batting at No. 5 in Jemimah Rodrigues’ absence, scored an attacking 72 off 58 balls, her fastest strike rate for a knock above 20. Later, she added 65 off 54 balls with Sneh Rana for the eighth wicket. With 59 needed from 46 balls, Sharma’s dismissal at deep midwicket ended India’s hopes of a record-breaking chase.
Mandhana Shines in Powerplay
Mandhana began explosively, hitting three consecutive fours off Megan Schutt in the third over. She also targeted Ashleigh Gardner with a six and a four, then punished Kim Garth with two fours and a six in five balls. India surpassed Australia’s 77 for 1 in the powerplay within seven overs and reached 96 for 2 in ten, marking the second-highest powerplay total in women’s ODIs. Mandhana reached her half-century in 23 balls and completed her century in 50, beating her own previous record and equaling Mooney’s earlier effort for the joint third-fastest century. Harmanpreet also scored a rapid 32-ball fifty. Yet, once both fell in consecutive overs, India’s momentum waned.
Fielding Errors Hurt India
Fielding lapses also cost India crucial runs. Despite progress under coach Amol Muzumdar, India dropped three key catches on Saturday, conceding at least 26 extra runs. Georgia Voll capitalized on all three, scoring 81 before top-edging a sweep to end her innings.
Brief Scorecard
Alyssa Healy set the early tone for Australia, attacking India’s new-ball bowlers. Though Kranti Goud dismissed her for the third time in three games, Voll and Mooney maintained momentum. Mooney scored her fourth ODI century, combining calculated aggression with minimal risk. She added 106 off 72 balls with Ellyse Perry and 82 off 46 with Ashleigh Gardner, helping Australia post 412.
This marked only the seventh time a team crossed 400 in women’s ODIs. India’s strong response, nearly chasing a record total and posting their highest-ever chase, gives hope and confidence ahead of the Women’s World Cup.
Smriti Mandhana’s blazing century gave India hope to chase the target, but they fell short by just over 40 runs, losing the match and the series 2-1. The attitude shown by the Indian women is impressive and reflects their strong preparation for the 2025 World Cup. Stay tuned with JUSZNEWS for regular updates!