Australia Strike Back as India’s Chase Falters; Multi-Format Series Locked at 2-2
A dramatic swing in fortunes marked the latest chapter of the India–Australia women’s series, as Australia clawed their way back with a spirited bowling performance to level the multi-format contest at 2-2.
Chasing 164 at the Manuka Oval in Canberra, India appeared well-placed before a sharp collapse in the latter half of the innings derailed the pursuit.
The Australian bowlers combined effectively, tightening the screws at crucial moments to defend a competitive total on a surface where stroke-making wasn’t straightforward.
Earlier, Georgia Voll anchored Australia’s innings with an impressive 88, providing stability after India opted to field first.
Despite disciplined death bowling from India — highlighted by Arundhati Reddy’s two wickets at the back end — Australia managed to post 163/5, a total that ultimately proved decisive.
Rain-Assisted Win in Series Opener
The series had begun on a contrasting note at the Sydney Cricket Ground, where rain played a pivotal role.
Australia were bundled out for 133 in 18 overs, with Arundhati Reddy leading the charge with a superb four-wicket haul. Renuka Singh Thakur, Sree Charani, and Deepti Sharma chipped in to keep the hosts under pressure.
In reply, India raced to 50/1 in just 5.1 overs while chasing 134 before a heavy downpour interrupted play.
With India comfortably ahead of the par score under the Duckworth-Lewis-Stern method, the visitors were declared winners in a rain-curtailed encounter.
Teams at a Glance
Australia XI:
Beth Mooney (wk), Georgia Voll, Phoebe Litchfield, Ellyse Perry, Ashleigh Gardner, Georgia Wareham, Nicola Carey, Annabel Sutherland, Sophie Molineux (c), Kim Garth, Darcie Brown
India XI:
Smriti Mandhana, Shafali Verma, Jemimah Rodrigues, Harmanpreet Kaur (c), Richa Ghosh (wk), Deepti Sharma, Arundhati Reddy, Amanjot Kaur, Sree Charani, Renuka Thakur, Kranti Gaud
With momentum shifting between the two sides, the series now heads into its next phase finely poised, promising another gripping contest between two of the strongest teams in women’s cricket.
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