The multi-format tour between Australia Women and India Women moved into the ODI leg at Allan Border Field with India carrying momentum after sealing the T20I series 2-1. Australia, meanwhile, were forced into changes before the 50-over opener, with Ellyse Perry and Kim Garth ruled out of the ODI squad due to injury. Megan Schutt and Lucy Hamilton were brought in as replacements, and Schutt made an immediate impact in shaping the contest as Australia secured a six-wicket win, chasing 215 with 70 balls to spare.
India chose to bat first but were rocked in the opening over. Schutt struck instantly, removing Pratika Rawal for 0 off 2 balls to leave India without a run on the board. The early breakthrough justified her recall. Smriti Mandhana responded positively, playing with fluency and confidence through the off-side. She compiled 58 from 68 deliveries at a strike rate of 85.29, striking seven fours and looking the most assured batter on show. At the other end, Shafali Verma struggled for rhythm and made 4 from 17 balls before falling, while Jemimah Rodrigues managed 8 from 13 balls as India slipped into early trouble.
Captain Harmanpreet Kaur then anchored the innings with a measured knock of 53 from 84 balls, striking three boundaries at a strike rate of 63.10. Her approach was patient and composed, focused on rebuilding after the top-order setbacks. She rotated strike, absorbed pressure through the middle overs and ensured India did not lose wickets in a heap. However, Australia’s bowlers maintained control. Ashleigh Gardner was particularly effective, finishing with 3 for 33, breaking partnerships just as India looked to consolidate. Schutt returned for further spells to end with 2 for 42, providing key breakthroughs at both ends of the innings.
Richa Ghosh contributed 23 from 38 balls but could not convert her start, and wickets continued to fall at regular intervals. The late push came from Kashvee Gautam, whose 43 from 44 balls at a strike rate of 97.73 included three fours and three sixes. Her counterattack lifted India past 200, but they were eventually bowled out for 214 in 48.3 overs — competitive, yet slightly short on a good batting surface.
In the chase, Australia lost Phoebe Litchfield by the 10th over, but captain Alyssa Healy steadied the innings with 50 from 70 balls with a strike rate of 71.43. She built the foundation before being dismissed, keeping the required rate under control. Beth Mooney then took charge with a polished 76 from 79 balls at a strike rate of 96.20, consistently finding gaps and rotating strike with ease. Her innings ensured Australia were always ahead of the asking rate.
Notably, Harmanpreet Kaur did not take the field during Australia’s innings, with Mandhana stepping in to lead India on the field. Despite a few breakthroughs, including two wickets for Shree Charani (2 for 41) and one each for Kranti Gaud and Deepti Sharma — India could not apply sustained pressure. Annabel Sutherland finished unbeaten on 48 from 44 balls striking at 109.9, accelerating confidently to take Australia to 217 for 4 in 38.2 overs.
With this result, Australia have struck back after losing the T20I series, drawing first two points in the ODI leg of the multi-format tour. Schutt’s immediate impact after her late inclusion, disciplined bowling through the middle overs, and controlled chasing performance underlined Australia’s depth, while India will reflect on missed opportunities despite competitive individual efforts.
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