Brisbane, February 24 – Captain Alyssa Healy praised Australia's clinical response to the pressure they faced after losing the T20I series to India, as her team secured a six-wicket victory over the reigning World Champions in the opening One Day International (ODI) at Allan Border Field in Brisbane on Tuesday.
"I'm pretty pleased with that. There was a lot of expectation after the T20I series about how we would respond. To come out and play the way we did today was very effective. I'm proud of the team for their resilience," Healy said after Australia successfully chased down 215 to take a 1-0 lead in the three-match series.
After dismissing India for 214, Australia's chase was calm and confident, qualities Healy says are typical of a team that excels in the 50-over format. "As I said at the toss, we really enjoy this format and are good at it. We like to maintain pressure for long periods. It suits us," she said.
This approach was evident from the start. Healy set the tone with a fluent half-century, sharing a 55-run opening stand before combining with Beth Mooney to stabilize the innings after a brief dip. Mooney's composed 76 ensured there were no major issues, while Annabel Sutherland's unbeaten innings sealed the victory comfortably.
India had earlier threatened in patches. Smriti Mandhana's 58 and Harmanpreet Kaur's determined effort provided resistance, but Australia's bowlers struck at key moments to prevent any sustained momentum. The target, which was considered below par on a surface that offered early seam and later grip, never truly stretched the hosts.
The victory also maintained Australia's remarkable dominance in Brisbane, as the hosts extended their multiformat winning record to 21-0 at Allan Border Field. "It's an astonishing record (21-0) at this venue. Hopefully, the girls can continue to perform," Healy noted, acknowledging the team's formidable history at the ground.
The captain quickly shifted the focus to the next challenge in Hobart and emphasized the need for quick adaptation, saying, "We have to do it all again in Hobart. Hopefully, we can go to Hobart and quickly adapt to the conditions there as well."
Healy also admitted the physical toll of a packed season, hinting that recovery will be key ahead of the second ODI, as she added, "It's probably about recovery in the dressing room leading into that game. We have had some tired bodies. It's been a really demanding season. I'm really pleased with tonight's performance, hopefully the girls will be energized by it."
The two sides will play the second ODI on Friday.
