IND vs AUS, 3rd WODI: Smriti Mandhana heroics in vain, Australia beat India in 781-run affair to pocket series 2-1 | Cricket News
Australia secured a 43-run victory against India in the third women’s ODI, winning their 11th bilateral series. Despite Smriti Mandhana’s impressive performance, Beth Mooney’s exceptional batting led Australia to triumph.Australia posted their joint-highest ODI total of 412 all out, with Mooney scoring 138 runs off 79 balls. This total surpassed their previous record of 371/8 against India in Brisbane last year.The Australian team maintained their perfect series record by winning 2-1, despite strong resistance from India. The hosts fell short at 369 runs, despite a powerful 121-run partnership between Mandhana and Harmanpreet Kaur.India’s chase would have broken the world record for the highest successful run chase, currently held by Sri Lanka at 302 runs against South Africa in Potchefstroom in 2024.The match saw an abundance of boundaries, with India allowing 60 fours and five sixes. Australia conceded fewer boundaries, with 39 fours and seven sixes.India’s fielding showed inconsistencies with dropped catches and misfields. A notable exception was Deepti’s one-handed return catch to dismiss Grace Harris.Mandhana’s outstanding performance included her second consecutive century, scoring 125 runs off 63 balls. Her 50-ball century marked the fastest by an Indian in ODIs, breaking her own previous record of 70 balls.Mandhana and Harmanpreet Kaur maintained a strong run rate of ten per over during their partnership. Kaur contributed 52 runs off 35 balls.The early dismissals of Pratika Rawal and Harleen Deol for 10 and 11 runs respectively were overcome by Mandhana and Harmanpreet’s partnership. Mandhana, who received a lifeline at 53, continued her aggressive batting.The momentum shifted when Harmanpreet was dismissed lbw after a medical break. Mandhana’s departure in the following over affected India’s chase significantly.Deepti Sharma’s late effort of 72 runs off 58 balls, including five boundaries and two sixes, kept India’s hopes alive. However, regular wicket falls prevented India from reaching the target.Earlier in the match, Beth Mooney’s spectacular innings set the tone for Australia. Her performance was complemented by Georgia Voll’s 81 runs, Ellyse Perry’s 68, and captain Alyssa Healy’s quick 30.India’s bowlers struggled on the flat Kotla pitch. Healy’s aggressive start included seven boundaries before Kranti Goud dismissed her for the third consecutive time in the series.Voll and Perry built a solid 107-run partnership, taking advantage of India’s inconsistent bowling. Sneh Rana eventually broke through, dismissing Voll on a leg-side sweep.Mooney’s dominant innings featured 23 fours and a six, effectively handling both spin and pace bowling. She consistently attacked the Indian bowlers throughout her stay at the crease.The 45th over saw Deepti Sharma claim three wickets, including Mooney’s run-out, initiating a late collapse. Despite India’s late bowling success, Australia had already established a winning position.
