India woman slip in first ODI as Australia draw level in multi-format series with big win

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New Delhi: Despite fifties from Harmanpreet Kaur and Smriti Mandhana, India woman failed to defend a modest total as Australia romped to big 6-wicket win in the first ODI of the multi-format series to take a 1-0 lead. Chasing 215 runs in Brisbane, Beth Mooney, Alyssa Healy, and Annabel Sutherland led from the front to complete the chase in just 38.2 overs and draw level in the series four points apiece.

Mooney slammed a power-packed knock of 76 in just 79 balls, stealing the show at the Allan Border Field while skipper Healy scored 50 out 70 to initiate the proceedings for the Australia woman in the home game. While these two players did the bulk of the scoring, Sutherland joined the party with an unbeaten 48-run knock to help the side cross the finish line.

For India woman, Shree Charani was the pick of the bowlers with two wickets while Kranti Gaud and Deepti Sharma also claimed one wicket apiece but failed to stop the Aussie batters who seemed to be flawless in the encounter.

Harmanpreet, Mandhana fifties in vain

Earlier in the first innings, skipper Harmanpreet and senior batter Mandhana smashed brilliant half-centuries to lend their contribution but with rest of the batters failing to deliver, India could just muster 214 runs in the innings. The skipper scored 53 runs while Mandhana delivered a good knock of 58 to help India cross the 200-run mark. Kashvee Gautma also contributed with 43 runs slamming three sixes and as many boundaries.

On the bowling front for the Aussies, Ashleigh Gardner was the pick of the bowlers with three wickets while Megan Schutt also claimed two wickets.