Image: Australia Women secured a commanding five-wicket victory over India Women / © Sportstar - The Hindu
Australia Women cruised to a dominating five-wicket win against India Women in the opening ODI of the series in Brisbane. Going to bat first, India’s innings never gained momentum, with Megan Schutt wreaking havoc, claiming 5 for 19 in her 6.2 overs. The Indian batters struggled from the outset, losing Smriti Mandhana early for 8. Harleen Deol (19) and skipper Harmanpreet Kaur (17) attempted to stabilize the innings, but the Australian bowlers maintained relentless pressure.
Jemimah Rodrigues top-scored with 23, but the Indian lower order crumbled, collapsing from 89/4 to 100 all out in 34.2 overs. Kim Garth and Ashleigh Gardner chipped in with crucial wickets, while Schutt claimed her maiden five-wicket haul in ODIs.
Chasing a target of 101, Australia started aggressively with Phoebe Litchfield smashing 35 off 29 balls. Renuka Singh provided some respite for India, picking 3 for 45, including the key scalps of Litchfield and Ellyse Perry. However, Georgia Voll’s unbeaten 46, laced with six boundaries and a six, ensured a smooth chase. Australia reached the target in just 16.2 overs despite losing five wickets.
Megan Schutt was declared Player of the Match for her remarkable spell, setting the tone for an emphatic Australian victory and a 1-0 series lead.