Our Bureau
Brisbane
Australia beat India by six wickets in the first Women’s ODI on Tuesday at Allan Border Field in Brisbane. The hosts chased down 214 with ease, leveling the multi-format series at 2-2 after India’s T20 win by 2-1.
India won the toss and batted first but struggled on a tricky pitch. Openers fell early, with Pratika Rawal out in the first over to Megan Schutt’s inswinger. Smriti Mandhana top-scored with 58 runs off 68 balls, riding some luck before getting out to a sweep shot. Captain Harmanpreet Kaur made 53 off 84, but the middle order collapsed against spinners Ashleigh Gardner (3-33) and others.
Kashvee Gautam fought back late with 43 off 44 balls, hitting three sixes to push past 200. But India lost wickets in clumps, ending all out in under 50 overs. Young spinner Shree Charani impressed, taking two quick wickets including Phoebe Litchfield and Georgia Voll.
In reply, Australia lost early wickets but Alyssa Healy, in her farewell series, steadied with 50 off 70 balls. Beth Mooney shone brightest, scoring 76 off 79 with five fours and two sixes to anchor the chase. She reached 3000 ODI runs in the process and earned Player of the Match. Annabel Sutherland finished unbeaten on 48, hitting the winning six with 17 overs left.
India’s batters must regroup for the next ODI. “We lost early wickets but fought back. The pitch surprised us. We’ll reflect and return stronger,” said Mandhana. Australia looks dominant at home ahead of more ODIs and a Test.
