One moment it was here, in another it went there.
This was the 2nd ODI between India and Australia Women. Who thought only IPL can bring us to the edge of our seats? This game was definitely more than that.
With Australia giving its all to maintain the ODI winning streak, to India trying to knock it off, this Women’s cricket rivalry brought us a series of mixed emotions.
In case you missed it, here’s what we are talking about
THE WINNING MOMENT (for AUSTRALIA) #AUSvINDpic.twitter.com/BxOt7fp3w8
— Female Cricket (@imfemalecricket) September 24, 2021
It all started with Australia winning the toss and putting the visitors to bat. After an unsatisfied performance in the 1st ODI, India dominated with the bat from the beginning this time with Smriti Mandhana and Shafali Verma getting a good start with some boundaries as well before Molineux bowled Shafali for 22 to break the 74 runs the first-wicket stand. There was a sudden wave of worry when the second wicket fell as it was the captain Mithali Raj who had to walk back early after being runout due to miscommunication between Smriti and her, ending her streak of 5 consecutive half-centuries, and no sooner youngster Yastika had to walk back to the dressing room. However, Smriti was joined by Richa Ghosh for a 76 runs partnership before Tahlia McGrath got the breakthrough as Mandhana got out for a brilliant 86. Playing just her second ODI, Richa played a crucial knock before being bowled out on 44 once again by McGrath. Deepti Sharma, Pooja Vastrakar, Jhulan Goswami also added good contributions to the total. While McGrath finished with a 3-wicket haul, her third being Deepti’s wicket, Sophie Molineux got 2 and the star of the first ODI, Darcie Brown got 1 wicket. A good batting performance helped India post the highest total during Australia’s winning streak and asked Australia to achieve their highest run chase against India.
BALL OF THE DAY ft. Jhulan Goswamipic.twitter.com/FPArBYdHik
— Female Cricket (@imfemalecricket) September 24, 2021
Just like the batters, the Indian bowlers were off to a great start, making Australia’s highest run-scorer of the first ODI, Alyssa Healy walk back in the first three balls of the chase itself after being bowled by Goswami. Playing her 2nd ODI, Meghna Singh was given the ball from the other end, and she went on giving 2 maidans followed by a crucial wicket of Australia’s captain Meg Lanning in the 6th over of the match. Pooja and Deepti got one to their name. In fact, Pooja’s role in the game is worth appreciating, she scored 29 with the bat, took one wicket, and also sent back the opponent’s one of the best players, Ellyse Perry with a direct hit. For Australia, the partnership between Beth Mooney and McGrath was the game changer with the latter scoring 74 before falling to Deepti but Beth Mooney who has promoted up the order due to injured Rachel Haynes missing out was the savior for Australia. She remained unbeaten on 125 and was adjudged as the Player of the Match.
With both the teams giving their very best, the match saw a last-ball finish when Australia needed 3 to win. For a couple of seconds, it was the Women in Blue who won the match before Australia appealed for the last one to be a No Ball and they were successful which meant Jhulan had to bowl 1 more with a 2 to run for Australia. In the end, it was Australia who took the victory.
It was really a nail-biting finish and with this Australia sealed the three-match series with a lead of 2-0 which means that Sunday’s match, the third ODI is going to be yet another exciting one with Australia looking forward to a clean sweep and India eyeing a comeback to prevent it. The match will start at 5:35 AM IST.
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