NEW DELHI: In spite of achieving their highest-ever ODI total against Australia, the India Women's team faced their sixth consecutive loss and eighth consecutive defeat at home. Australia dominated, securing a commanding six-wicket victory in the first match of the series.
Phoebe Litchfield (78) and Ellyse Perry (75) led Australia's chase, forming a resilient 148-run partnership for the second wicket. Australia successfully chased down India's 282/8, reaching 285/4 in 46.3 overs. After their dismissals, Beth Mooney (42) and Tahlia McGrath (68 not out) further solidified Australia's position with an 88-run stand for the fourth wicket in just 67 balls.
Despite an initial setback for Australia with the loss of Alyssa Healy (0) in the first over, India couldn't capitalize further. The hosts struggled in the field, failing to make an impact. Even skipper
Harmanpreet Kaur
's bowling couldn't rescue the team as she conceded 32 runs in three overs without a wicket on a placid wicket.
Ellyse registered her fifth fifty against India while Phoebe bounced back from a previous poor performance, showcasing her prowess against the Indian attack. Their 148-run partnership stands as the third-highest second-wicket partnership against India in ODIs.
However, both batters were culpable for their dismissals. Ellyse, after a striking innings, fell to
Deepti Sharma
, while Phoebe departed after missing a connection on a sweep shot off Sneh Rana.
Earlier, India's innings was anchored by
Jemimah Rodrigues
's impressive 82 and a rapid unbeaten 62 by Pooja Vastrakar, propelling them to their highest ODI total of 282/8. Jemimah battled tough conditions, notching her second fifty in four ODIs this year. Her partnership with Pooja, especially a crucial 68-run stand for the eighth wicket, bolstered India's total.
Pooja showcased her aggressive batting, smashing seven fours and two sixes, finishing unbeaten on 62 off just 46 balls. Despite Yastika Bhatia's promising innings of 49 off 64 balls, India couldn't capitalize on the early platform she provided.
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