India crushed Australia by 102 runs in the second ODI of the three-match series at New Chandigarh. India posted a total of 292 in 49.5 overs, powered by a superb century from Smriti Mandhana and a valuable contribution from Deepti Sharma.

In reply, Australia Women were bundled out for 190 in 40.5 overs. Kranti Gaud (3/28 in 9.5 overs) and Deepti Sharma (2/24 in 6 overs) were the leading bowlers who played a key role in wrapping up the Australian innings and securing a hard-fought win for India.

This victory was memorable as it marked India’s first home ODI win against Australia since 2007. With this result, India also leveled the series 1-1.

Mandhana’s Masterclass With the Bat

Australia won the toss and chose to field, hoping to adjust to the hot conditions. However, Mandhana immediately seized control. She struck a six off her eighth delivery and dominated the first powerplay with aggressive stroke play, reaching her fifty off just 45 balls.

With Jemimah Rodrigues ruled out due to viral fever, India were a batter short. Mandhana stepped up, taking on the role of an aggressor in Shafali Verma’s absence. She went on to complete her century in just 77 balls, the second-fastest ODI hundred for India. Only Meg Lanning and Suzie Bates have scored more centuries than Mandhana’s tally of 12.

Her presence in the middle disrupted Australia’s plans. Georgia Wareham’s first two overs went for 29 runs, with Mandhana smashing three fours and two sixes. Australia introduced Alana King only after Mandhana’s dismissal in the 33rd over, underlining the pressure she had created.

While Mandhana stood tall, the rest of India’s batters found it difficult to score freely. Pratika Rawal struggled against Australia’s tactics and consumed 32 balls for her 20 runs, while Harleen Deol also faced a slow start, unable to score on 17 of her first 19 deliveries. Deepti Sharma fought hard for her 40 off 53 balls but managed just two boundaries. Towards the end, Darcie Brown regained her rhythm and took three crucial wickets, limiting India to 292. The total was competitive but slightly below what India had expected given Mandhana’s dominance.

Renuka’s Early Strike Sets the Tone

Australia began their chase knowing they needed their highest successful run chase in ODI history. Renuka Singh, making her comeback after a year out due to a stress injury, struck in her second over. Georgia Voll, playing her first match in India, was dismissed for a five-ball duck.

Kranti Goud then dismissed captain Alyssa Healy, leaving Australia reeling at 25 for 2 after 10 overs. It was their lowest powerplay score since the 2017 World Cup. The early blows gave India a strong grip on the game.

Perry Fights Back, Fielding Errors Cost India

Veteran Ellyse Perry attempted to rebuild the innings, first with Beth Mooney and later with Annabel Sutherland. During this phase, India missed several catching opportunities. Richa Ghosh dropped a difficult chance off Perry, Harleen Deol failed to grab a miscued shot from Mooney, and Radha Yadav missed a return catch offered by Sutherland.

Despite the missed chances, Perry and Mooney added 50 runs from 73 balls. After Mooney’s dismissal, Perry and Sutherland formed a rapid 46-run partnership off just 45 deliveries.

India faced a moment of concern when Renuka walked off the field holding her left calf. She had bowled a tight six-over spell at the start and returned to the field later, but she did not bowl again.

Spinners Lead the Charge

India’s spinners then took control of the game. Sneh Rana struck first, deceiving Mooney with a wider delivery, while Arundhati Reddy completed a running catch. Soon after, Radha Yadav delivered a crucial breakthrough by dismissing Perry with a sharp caught-and-bowled effort.

Reddy returned to remove Sutherland, ending her aggressive knock. With Australia under pressure, Deepti Sharma delivered the knockout blow by removing Ashleigh Gardner and Tahlia McGrath in successive overs.

From there, Kranti Goud wrapped up the tail by cleaning up Georgia Wareham and taking a return catch to dismiss Megan Schutt. Australia were bowled out, sealing India’s remarkable win.

A Famous Win and Series-Leveling Triumph

The victory marked a stunning turnaround after India’s heavy defeat in the opening game. It was a historic moment as India broke an 18-year home ODI jinx against Australia and handed them their biggest loss in the format.

The series is now level at 1-1, setting up a thrilling decider. India will head into the final match with renewed confidence and a chance to secure a historic series win.

Brief Scorecard