Australia Women Begin Series with 8-Wicket Win

By Abhishek Kumar

Australia Women’s cricket team made a strong start to the ODI series defeating India by 8 wickets at the Punjab Cricket Association ground. Chasing 282 the visitors wrapped up the match in 44.1 overs.

Batting first India posted 281/7 in 50 overs. The top order looked solid with Pratika Rawal scoring 64 Smriti Mandhana making 58 and Harleen Deol adding 54 In the later overs, Richa Ghosh (25) and Deepti Sharma (25 )* helped India cross 280. For Australia Megan Schutt was the pick of the bowlers with 2 wickets.

Australia’s reply was confident and composed. Phoebe Litchfield played a classy knock of 88 off 80 balls taking full advantage after being dropped twice. Beth Mooney remained unbeaten on 77 while Annabel Sutherland scored 54 not out to guide the team home. Ellyse Perry added 30 before retiring hurt with cramps but the chase never lost momentum.

The main concern for India was sloppy fielding as four catches were dropped Their spin-heavy attack also struggled to create pressure on a flat surface. With this victory Australia lead the three-match ODI series 1–0 putting India under pressure to bounce back strongly in the next game.