Hobart, February 27 Openers Pratika Rawal (52) and captain Harmanpreet Kaur (54) scored crucial half-centuries to help India post a challenging 251/9 against Australia in the second women's ODI here on Friday.
Rawal's 52 (off 81 balls with six fours) was instrumental in giving India a strong start, but Harmanpreet's 54 off 70 balls (2 fours, 1 six) was even more crucial after a slump in the middle overs, given that the ODI world champions are 0-1 behind in the three-match series against the hosts, Australia.
Rawal provided a strong start with a 78-run partnership with Smriti Mandhana (31) as India looked to make the most of good batting conditions. However, some poor shot selection put the Indians in trouble for the second consecutive time in the series.
Mandhana missed a paddle sweep, and Ashleigh Gardner's (2/39) delivery hit her leg stump, while Jemimah Rodrigues (11) played a loose shot outside the off-stump and was caught behind off an innocuous delivery from Annabel Sutherland (2/37).
Deepti Sharma (1) was caught at deep mid-wicket in her bid to quickly get off the blocks off Alana King (2/41), who also dismissed the dangerous Richa Ghosh leg before for 22.
To her credit, Kashvee Gautam (25) put on a vital 55-run stand for the seventh wicket with Harmanpreet, which took India past the 200-run mark.
Brief scores: India Women 251/9 in 20 overs (Pratika Rawal 52, Harmanpreet Kaur 54; Annabel Sutherland 2/37) vs Australia.
