India’s women cricketers arrive in Australia riding high after a 2-1 T20I series win. The spotlight now turns to the ODI leg—a grueling three-match series commencing February 24—that could cement their legacy on foreign soil.
T20I highlights set the tone: A DLS-aided 21-run opener win for India, Australia’s 19-run riposte, and a commanding 17-run victory in the decider. Series to India, momentum intact.
First ODI: Brisbane’s Gabba, February 24, 9:20 AM IST. Second and third: Hobart’s Bellerive Oval, February 27 and March 1, same time. These venues have witnessed epic clashes, and more are expected.
Head-to-head stats underline Australia’s ODI supremacy—49-12 over 61 games since ’78. But India’s resurgence, powered by Harmanpreet Kaur’s leadership and talents like Deepti Sharma and Renuka Thakur, signals a shift.
Squad spotlight—India: Captain Harmanpreet Kaur marshals Smriti Mandhana, explosive Shafali Verma, steady Jemimah Rodrigues, all-rounders Deepti and Sneh Rana, keepers Richa Ghosh and Uma Chetry, plus pacers Renuka Thakur and emerging stars.
Australia counters with Sophie Molineux at helm, featuring Alyssa Healy’s flair, Ellyse Perry’s mastery, spinners Ashleigh Gardner and Alana King.
Detailed teams:
India: Smriti Mandhana, Shafali Verma, Jemimah Rodrigues, Prtitika Rao, Harmanpreet Kaur (c), Vaishnavi Sharma, Deepti Sharma, Amanjot Kaur, Harleen Deol, Sneh Rana, Richa Ghosh (wk), Uma Chetry (wk), Renuka Thakur, Sree Charani, Kranti Gaud, Kashvee Gautam.
Australia: Phoebe Litchfield, Georgia Voll, Ashleigh Gardner, Tahlia McGrath, Ellyse Perry, Georgia Wareham, Sophie Molineux (c), Nicola Carey, Kim Garth, Alana King, Annabel Sutherland, Alyssa Healy, Beth Mooney, Darcie Brown.
The tour wraps with a Perth Test on March 6. Expect riveting cricket ahead.