The Allan Border Field has turned into a nightmare for visiting teams, and India learned that the hard way on Tuesday. Australia women powered to a six-wicket victory in the ODI series opener, pushing their home winning streak to a staggering 21 matches.
Opting to bowl, Australia restricted India to 214 in nearly 49 overs. Mandhana’s 58 and Kaur’s 53 offered resistance, with Gautam adding 43, but Gardner’s 3-33 sparked a collapse that exposed India’s frailties.
In reply, Mooney’s masterful 76 off 79 deliveries, featuring seven boundaries, lit up the chase. Healy’s 50 and Sutherland’s unbeaten 48 guided Australia home in 38.2 overs. Litchfield’s 32 complemented the effort, while Charani’s two scalps were mere consolation for India.
This fortress-like record began in 1999 against South Africa (100-run win). Australia then dominated New Zealand over seven games from 2006-2011, edged England by two wickets in 2017, swept Sri Lanka 3-0 in 2019, trounced New Zealand 3-0 in 2020, beat Pakistan twice in 2023, India twice in December 2024, and now this.
With such pedigree, Australia’s women are primed for series glory. India must find answers fast to avoid a whitewash.