IND W vs AUS W, 1st ODI, Review: Litchfield, Mooney crush India in series opener

Australia Women registered a convincing eight-wicket victory over India Women in the first ODI of the three-match series at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium, New Chandigarh Stadium on Sunday, September 14. Indian captain Harmanpreet Kaur, also playing her 150th match in the format, won the toss and elected to bat first, but her team fell short in defending their total.

The Indians had started brightly, with openers Pratika Rawal and Smriti Mandhana stitching together a strong 114-run opening partnership, the highest for India against the visitors in 50-over cricket. Mandhana looked fluent before a miscommunication with her partner led to a run-out, affected by Phoebe Litchfield. The stylish left-hander departed for 58 off 63 balls, striking six fours and two sixes.

Rawal carried on but was undone by Alana King, dismissed for 64 from 96 deliveries, an innings that included six boundaries. At No. 3, Harleen Deol played positively, adding 54 from 57 balls with four fours and two sixes to keep the scoreboard moving. However, after her departure, India lost momentum, with the middle and lower order adding only small contributions.

The hosts eventually finished with 281/7 in 50 overs. For the Aussies, Megan Schutt was the standout bowler with figures of 2/45, while King, Kim Garth, Annabel Sutherland, and Tahlia McGrath chipped in with one wicket apiece.

Chasing 282, Australia began confidently with openers Alyssa Healy and Litchfield. Healy fell to Kranti Goud for 27, while Ellyse Perry made her way back, unfortunately getting retired hurt after adding a decent 30 from her blade. Litchfield, however, anchored the innings with a superb knock of 88 from 80 balls, smashing 14 fours before falling to Sneh Rana.

From there, Beth Mooney and Annabel Sutherland ensured Australia’s chase remained on track. The duo put on an unbeaten 116-run partnership for the fourth wicket in just 104 deliveries. Mooney remained not out on 77 from 74 balls, while Sutherland contributed a fluent 54 from 51 balls, guiding their side home in 44.1 overs.

For her match-defining innings, Litchfield was named Player of the Match. With this victory, Australia took a 1-0 lead in the series. The second ODI will be played on Wednesday, September 17, at the same venue and the Harmanpreet Kaur-led side will be looking to bag a win to keep the series alive.