Mandhana, Harmanpreet Hit Fifties but India Bowled Out for 214 in ODI Series Opener

Brisbane: India set a target of 215 runs for Australia women’s national cricket team in the first ODI of the series, but were bowled out for 214 in 48.3 overs at Allan Border Field. The visitors entered the ODI series with confidence after clinching the T20I series 2-1 on the tour of Australia.

After winning the toss and opting to bat, India women’s national cricket team had a shaky start. They suffered an early blow on just the second ball of the match as Pratika Rawal was dismissed for a duck, with the team yet to open its account.

Mandhana Anchors the Innings

Smriti Mandhana tried to steady the innings with a 25-run partnership for the second wicket alongside Shafali Verma, who struggled and managed just 4 runs off 17 balls. Mandhana then added 27 runs with Jemimah Rodrigues to take India past the 50-run mark.

Following Rodrigues’ dismissal, Mandhana stitched a crucial 48-run stand in 72 balls with captain Harmanpreet Kaur for the fourth wicket, helping India reach three figures. Mandhana scored a composed 58 off 68 balls, including seven boundaries, before being dismissed.

Harmanpreet then took charge, scoring 53 off 84 deliveries with three fours. She built partnerships of 37 runs with Richa Ghosh (23 off 38 balls) and 53 runs with Kashvee Gautam, who contributed a valuable 43 off 44 balls to guide India to a competitive total.

Australia’s Bowling Effort

For Australia, Ashleigh Gardner was the standout performer, claiming three wickets for 33 runs. Megan Schutt picked up two wickets, while Darcie Brown, Alana King, Tahlia McGrath, and Sophie Molineux took one wicket each.

With 215 runs needed for victory, Australia will look to capitalize on home conditions, while India’s bowlers will aim to defend the modest total in the series opener.