The Indian women’s cricket team faced early setbacks in their ODI series launch against Australia in Brisbane, slumping to 214 all out despite valiant half-centuries from Smriti Mandhana and Harmanpreet Kaur. Having won the toss at Allan Border Field, India chose to set a platform but lost momentum after a promising middle-order recovery, challenging Australia with 215 to win.
A shocking start saw Pratikar Raval dismissed for nought on ball two. Mandhana rebuilt with Shefali Verma (4 off 17) for 25 runs, then with Jemimah Rodrigues (8) for 27 to reach 50. Her chemistry with captain Kaur produced 48 crucial runs, enabling Mandhana’s exit at 58 from 68 balls featuring seven fours.
Kaur’s steady 53 off 84 (3×4) was the glue, bolstered by 37 runs with Richa Ghosh (23, 38 balls, 2×4) and a brisk 53 with Kashvee Gautam, who blazed 43 off 44 deliveries. These efforts lifted India to a defendable score despite the collapse.
Bowling honors went to Australia’s Ashley Gardner (3-33), with Megan Schutt taking 2. Brown, King, McGrath, and Molineux shared the rest. India’s full squad: Mandhana, Raval, Verma, Kaur (capt), Rodrigues, Ghosh (keeper), Deepti Sharma, Gautam, Charani, Gaur, Renuka Thakur. Australia countered with Healy (c), Litchfield, Voll, Mooney (wk), Sutherland, Gardner, McGrath, Molineux, King, Schutt, Brown.
With T20I success behind them, India eyes a series sweep. Australia’s chase will test their top order on a lively track, setting up an intriguing battle under the Brisbane lights.