India Women experience a significant six-wicket loss to Australia in the first One Day International (ODI).
Despite achieving their highest-ever ODI total against Australia, the India women faced their sixth consecutive defeat and eighth consecutive loss at home. In the first match on Thursday, the visitors secured a commanding six-wicket victory. Phoebe Litchfield (78) and Ellyse Perry (75) played a pivotal role, establishing a resilient 148-run partnership for the second wicket. Australia successfully chased down India’s 282/8, finishing with a total of 285/4 in 46.3 overs and securing a 1-0 lead in the three-match series.
After the quick dismissals of Phoebe Litchfield and Ellyse Perry, Beth Mooney (42 runs from 47 balls, 4 boundaries) and Tahlia McGrath (68 not out, 55 balls, 11 boundaries) inflicted more damage on India with their formidable 88-run partnership for the fourth wicket in just 67 balls. Despite this, none of the Indian bowlers could make a significant impact, and Australia comfortably crossed the finish line with 21 balls to spare and six wickets in hand.
Although India initially made a promising start by removing Alyssa Healy (0) in the first over, thanks to an acrobatic catch by Sneh Rana off Renuka Thakur, they couldn’t capitalize on that early success. Australia took control of the game, capitalizing on some subpar fielding efforts by the hosts.
Even the introduction of skipper Harmanpreet Kaur’s bowling prowess couldn’t rescue the side on a docile wicket, as she conceded 32 runs in three overs without taking a wicket.
Ellyse Perry achieved her 33rd overall and fifth half-century against India, while Phoebe Litchfield made a strong comeback from her recent one-off Test struggles to dismantle the Indian bowling attack. The impressive 148-run partnership between Ellyse and Phoebe now stands as the third-highest second-wicket collaboration against India in ODIs.
However, both batters were responsible for their own dismissals. Ellyse, after hitting nine fours and two sixes, danced down the track but ended up sending the ball straight to Pooja Vastrakar off Deepti Sharma (1/55) at long-on. She also grappled with cramps as her innings progressed.
On the other hand, Phoebe showcased an excellent performance, scoring 78 runs from 89 balls and featuring eight fours and a six. Her standout reverse sweep shots were particularly noteworthy.autra
