The opening match of the three-game ODI series between Australia Women and India Women at the Allan Border Field in Brisbane was a stark showcase of Australia’s supremacy. Dominating with both bat and ball, the hosts registered a comprehensive five-wicket victory, taking a 1-0 lead. Megan Schutt's stellar performance with the ball was instrumental, while India faltered with the bat, unable to capitalize on their decision to bat first.
India’s Fragile Start with the Bat
Electing to bat first, India’s innings started on a shaky note, courtesy of Megan Schutt's brilliant opening spell. Priya Punia struggled to get going, managing just 3 runs off 17 balls before Schutt struck to send her back. Smriti Mandhana, a key player for India, fell shortly after, managing only 8 off 10 balls. Her dismissal left India at 17-2 within the first five overs, putting immense pressure on the middle order.
Harleen Deol, returning to the playing XI, stepped in at number three but failed to make a meaningful impact. Her promising start of 19 off 34 deliveries was cut short as she holed out to Annabel Sutherland at mid-on off Ashleigh Gardner's bowling. By the 12th over, India had slumped to 42-3, with their top order back in the pavilion.
Captain Harmanpreet Kaur, expected to stabilize the innings, couldn’t rise to the occasion. She was trapped leg-before-wicket by Annabel Sutherland for just 17 runs. With the score at 62-4, India’s chances of posting a competitive total looked bleak.
Megan Schutt’s Bowling Masterclass
Jemimah Rodrigues attempted to steady the innings with a patient 23 off 42 balls, sharing a 27-run partnership with wicketkeeper Richa Ghosh. However, this brief period of consolidation was short-lived as Kim Garth dismissed Rodrigues in the 27th over, initiating a dramatic collapse.
India’s final six wickets fell for just 11 runs, as the team was bundled out for a mere 100 runs in 34.2 overs. Megan Schutt, in peak form, ran through the Indian lower order, ending with exceptional figures of 5-19—her career-best in ODIs. Her consistent line and length left the Indian batters clueless. Spinner Alana King added to the carnage, dismissing debutant Titas Sadhu and finishing with 1-18 from her five overs.
Australia’s Aggressive Start in the Chase
With just 101 runs to chase, Australian openers Phoebe Litchfield and Georgia Voll came out with an attacking mindset. Litchfield, in particular, displayed a brilliant array of shots, smashing eight boundaries during her quick 35 off 29 balls. Together, the duo added 48 runs in just seven overs, taking full advantage of the powerplay.
India finally broke through when Litchfield lofted a delivery from Renuka Singh Thakur straight to Harmanpreet Kaur at mid-off. This dismissal gave India a glimmer of hope, as they aimed to claw their way back into the game.
India’s Spirited Fightback
Renuka Singh led India’s fightback with a fiery spell, striking twice in quick succession. She dismissed the experienced Ellyse Perry and Beth Mooney, reducing Australia to 58-3. Priya Mishra joined the effort, removing Annabel Sutherland to leave Australia at 77-4 in the 14th over.
This mini-collapse injected some excitement into the match, as India’s bowlers put up a valiant effort to defend the small target. However, with such a low score to chase, the Australian batters had ample time and wickets in hand to rebuild their innings.
Georgia Voll’s Calm Finish
While wickets tumbled at the other end, Georgia Voll remained composed, playing a mature and unbeaten knock of 46. The debutant showed remarkable temperament, ensuring there were no further slip-ups as she guided Australia to victory in just 16.2 overs. Voll’s performance underlined her potential as a future star for Australian cricket.
Australia’s victory, achieved with nearly 34 overs to spare, highlighted the disparity in performance between the two sides. The hosts not only showcased their depth in bowling but also their ability to chase under pressure, even after a brief stutter.
Conclusion
The first ODI between Australia and India was a one-sided affair, with the hosts proving why they are one of the most dominant teams in women’s cricket. Megan Schutt’s incredible bowling display and Georgia Voll’s composed knock ensured Australia’s triumph, while India’s batting collapse was a major concern.
As the series progresses, India must address their batting vulnerabilities and find ways to counter Australia’s aggressive approach. The second match presents an opportunity for the visitors to regroup and keep their hopes alive, but they’ll need significant improvements to challenge the formidable Aussies. For Australia, this commanding performance cements their position as favorites in the series, with their eyes firmly set on securing another series win.
Test your knowledge of IPL! Visit:
https://www.quizzop.com/ipl-quiz/category
For live match commentary and ball-by-ball updates of today's matches visit www.criczop.com
