Brisbane, February 24 – Australia delivered a clinical performance to defeat India by six wickets in the opening One Day International (ODI) at Allan Border Field on Tuesday. They successfully chased a modest target of 215, taking a 1-0 lead in the three-game ODI series and also leveling the overall multi-format series score at 4-4.
After dismissing India for 214, the hosts easily chased the target, thanks to half-centuries from captain Alyssa Healy and the consistently reliable Beth Mooney. While India had shown promise at various stages, they ultimately struggled on a pitch that offered movement for fast bowlers early on, and provided grip for spinners as the innings progressed.
Choosing to bat first, India were caught off a surprise in the first over when Megan Schutt dismissed Pratika Rawal with a LBW, and the pressure intensified further with the quick dismissal of Shafali Verma soon after. Smriti Mandhana weathered a challenging period, surviving a few tense moments before scoring a composed 58 to stabilize the innings.
However, Australia capitalized on crucial moments. Ashleigh Gardner and Tahlia McGrath removed key batters just as partnerships were beginning to flourish, while leg-spinner Alana King applied pressure in the middle overs with her control and bounce. Captain Harmanpreet Kaur battled for 33 but struggled to accelerate, and while Richa Ghosh and later Kashvee Gautam attempted to rebuild, regular wickets prevented India from gaining a decisive advantage. A brief lower-order resistance pushed the total past 200, but it was widely considered below par.
In reply, Healy and Phoebe Litchfield laid a solid foundation. The pair added 55 runs for the first wicket, countering India's new-ball threat with positive strokeplay. Healy was particularly impressive, driving elegantly and rotating the strike effectively to score a 50 off 69 balls.
India briefly clawed back when left-arm spinner Shree Charani dismissed Litchfield and Georgia Voll in quick succession, injecting some uncertainty into the chase. However, Australia's depth proved to be the deciding factor. Mooney joined Healy to stabilize the innings, and the duo built a steady partnership that effectively ended India's hopes.
Mooney anchored the innings with a polished 76, showcasing her trademark composure and placement. Even after Healy fell trying to accelerate and Mooney was eventually dismissed with the finish line in sight, Australia maintained control. Annabel Sutherland ensured there were no late hiccups, finishing unbeaten on 42 and sealing the victory with a towering six over midwicket.
Brief Scores: India 214/10 in 48.3 overs (Smriti Mandhana 58, Harmanpreet Kaur 53; Ashleigh Gardner 3-33, Megan Schutt 2-42) lost to Australia (Beth Mooney 76, Alyssa Healy 50, Annabel Sutherland 48*; Shree Charani 2-41) by six wickets.
