Australia Dominates India in ODI Opener, Exposing World Cup Concerns

Australia Women began their tour of India in dominant fashion, brushing aside the hosts by eight wickets in the first ODI at New Chandigarh on Saturday. The result extended India’s losing streak against Australia in ODIs to eight matches, with their last win dating back to 2021 at MacKay.

Young opener Phoebe Litchfield starred for the visitors, producing a classy knock of 88 off 80 balls that laid the foundation for the chase of 282. Her innings, laced with 14 boundaries, earned her the Player of the Match award. Litchfield played with composure and fluency, rotating the strike well and punishing anything loose, before finally falling to Sneh Rana in the 27th over.

India Women vs Australia Women 1st ODI Updates

Earlier, India’s top order showed promise with a solid batting display. Pratika Rawal (64 off 96) and Smriti Mandhana (58 off 63) put on a 114-run opening stand, while Harleen Deol chipped in with an aggressive 54. However, the middle order couldn’t fully capitalise on the platform, with regular strikes from the Australian bowlers keeping the total in check. India eventually posted 281/7, a competitive but slightly under-par score on a good batting surface.

Australia romp to victory

Australia’s reply was authoritative. Skipper Alyssa Healy provided a brisk start before falling for 27, but Litchfield and Ellyse Perry (30 off 38, retired hurt) ensured the momentum never dipped. After Litchfield’s dismissal, Beth Mooney (77 off 74)* and Annabel Sutherland (54 off 51)* guided Australia home comfortably in the 45th over with 35 balls to spare.

India's bowlers, barring a tidy spell from Rana (1/51), lacked penetration and control, with all others going at over 5.5 runs per over. The loss underlines concerns for India ahead of the 2025 Women's World Cup, particularly in closing out strong starts and maintaining pressure with the ball.

Brief Scores

India Women: 281/7 in 50 overs. Pratika Rawal (64), Smriti Mandhana (58), Harleen Deol (54). Megan Schutt (2/45)

Australia Women: 282/2 in 44.1 overs. Phoebe Litchfield (88), Beth Mooney (77*), Annabel Sutherland (54*); Sneh Rana (1/51)

Result: Australia beat India by 8 wickets