Australia Women beat India by 190 runs in 3rd ODI Match: AUSTRALIA’S DOMINANCE
Australia clinched a comprehensive 3-0 whitewash in the One Day International (ODI) series, sealing their dominance over the hosts. The spotlight shone brightly on Phoebe Litchfield, who showcased her class with a spectacular second ODI hundred, guiding Australia to a commanding total of 338 for 7. In a stellar partnership with Alyssa Healy, they set the tone for a Litchfield-driven victory.
LITCHFIELD AND HEALY: A FORMIDABLE OPENING PAIR
The opening pair, Litchfield and Healy, stole the show, amassing a staggering 189 runs for the first wicket. Litchfield’s innings of 119 off 125 balls displayed clarity and crisp footwork, distinguishing her as a force to be reckoned with. Unlike her captain and opening partner, Litchfield is not known for power-hitting but relied on solid technique and proactive play, dominating the spin on her maiden tour to India.
On the other end, Alyssa Healy, who recently assumed the captaincy from Meg Lanning, made a significant impact. Breaking free from a lean 2023, Healy’s 82 was not only crucial for the team but also marked her first half-century as a full-time captain. Her innings showcased comfort in finding gaps and executing lofted shots, setting the stage for a formidable total. The duo strategically targeted debutant left-arm spinner Mannat Kashyap, unsettling the Indian bowling attack.
INDIA’S STRUGGLE: A BATTING COLLAPSE
In response, India’s batting lineup crumbled under pressure, succumbing to Australia’s spinners and disciplined bowling. The collapse began with Yastika Bhatia’s early dismissal, and despite a steady start from Smriti Mandhana, the Indian batters failed to build partnerships. Harmanpreet Kaur’s poor run continued, and the team found themselves reeling at 128 for 7.
Australia’s spin trio of Wareham, King, and Schutt orchestrated the downfall, with Litchfield’s sensational one-handed catch at cover being a pivotal moment. Wareham, in particular, proved instrumental, claiming three crucial wickets, while King and Schutt contributed with two each. The Indian team was bowled out for a mere 148 runs in the 33rd over, marking their third-largest defeat in ODIs.
AUSTRALIAN BOWLING MASTERY
Australia’s bowlers showcased their prowess on a dry Wankhede pitch, exploiting the conditions to dismantle India’s batting lineup. Georgia Wareham’s exceptional bowling, complemented by Litchfield’s brilliance in the field, underscored Australia’s dominance. Despite a brief slowdown in the middle overs, Shreyanka Patil’s variations and tight lines secured three wickets for India.
INDIA’S FIELDING WOES
In the field, India endured a challenging day, dropping two crucial catches and contributing to their overall struggle in the series. The team’s fielding lapses have been a concerning pattern throughout the tour, with a total of ten catches spilled in the three-match series. As India looks ahead to the ODI World Cup in 2025, addressing these fielding issues becomes imperative for a competitive campaign.
As Australia celebrates their clean sweep, India is left grappling with unanswered questions. With the ODI World Cup on the horizon, the hosts must regroup and address the shortcomings exposed during this series. The absence of the Women’s Championship context in this series adds to the uncertainty, leaving India with more to ponder as they prepare for future challenges.
CONCLUSION: QUESTIONS FOR INDIA
In conclusion, Australia’s dominance in Mumbai not only reflects their cricketing prowess but also poses important challenges for India’s cricketing future. The series may be over, but the lessons learned will resonate as India continues its cricketing journey, striving for excellence on the international stage.
THE ANTICIPATION FOR THE T20I SERIES
As the dust settles on the ODI series, cricket fans eagerly await the upcoming three-match T20 International (T20I) series set to kick off on Friday. With Australia riding high on their ODI success, the T20Is present a fresh challenge for both teams. India, looking to bounce back and salvage pride on home soil, will be keen to harness the explosive capabilities of their T20 specialists. The spotlight will once again be on players like Harmanpreet Kaur and Smriti Mandhana to provide the much-needed firepower. On the other hand, Australia, buoyed by their dominant ODI performance, will aim to carry the momentum into the shortest format.
