Mullanpur: India’s top order fired in sync to put up a strong 281/7 in the series-opening ODI against Australia, with half-centuries from Smriti Mandhana (58), Pratika Rawal (64) and Harleen Deol (54) at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium—hosting its first-ever international match. India won the toss and batted first.
Mandhana and Rawal provided a brisk 114-run opening stand on a good batting surface. Mandhana struck six fours and two sixes before a direct hit from Phoebe Litchfield ended her stay; Rawal compiled a composed fifty. Deol then steered the middle overs with a run-a-ball fifty to keep India on course.
Late cameos from Richa Ghosh (25), Radha Yadav (19) and Deepti Sharma (20)* lifted India past 280. For Australia, Megan Schutt—playing her 100th ODI—was the pick with 2/45, while Kim Garth, Annabel Sutherland, Alana King and Tahlia McGrath took a wicket each.
The game also marked a personal milestone for India’s captain Harmanpreet Kaur, who became only the third Indian woman to reach 150 WODIs. Meanwhile, Smriti Mandhana climbed to No. 7 on the all-time WODI run-scorers list during her knock.
At the interval, Australia required 282 to win; the chase began under lights with the surface expected to hold firm.
India innings — Summary
India 281/7 in 50 overs: Pratika Rawal 64 (96), Smriti Mandhana 58 (63), Harleen Deol 54 (57); Richa Ghosh 25, Deepti Sharma 20*.
Australia bowling: Megan Schutt 2/45; Kim Garth 1 wkt, Annabel Sutherland 1, Alana King 1, Tahlia McGrath 1.
