Mullanpur: Smriti Mandhana produced one of her finest ODI knocks, smashing 117 off 91 balls as India Women defeated Australia Women by 102 runs in the second ODI at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium. The victory helped India level the three-match series 1-1 setting up a decider.
India’s batting: Mandhana steals the show
Opting to bat first, India posted 292 in 49.5 overs. Mandhana was in irresistible touch, bringing up her 12th ODI century equalling Suzie Bates and Tammy Beaumont’s record for the most tons by an opener in women’s ODIs. Her hundred came off just 77 balls, the second-fastest by an Indian woman in ODIs, and was laced with 14 fours and 4 sixes.
Pratika Rawal (25) gave India a steady start, while Deepti Sharma (40) and Sneh Rana (24 off 18) ensured late momentum despite a middle-order stumble. For Australia, Darcie Brown (3/42) and Ashleigh Gardner (2/39) were the most effective bowlers.
Australia stumble in chase
Chasing 293, Australia never looked settled and folded for 190 in 40.5 overs. Renuka Singh drew first blood before debutant Kranti Goud made an impact with 3/28. Ellyse Perry (44) and Annabel Sutherland (45) offered resistance, but India’s bowlers struck at regular intervals. Deepti Sharma (2/24), Sneh Rana, Radha Yadav and Arundhati Reddy chipped in with key wickets.
Captains speak
Australia captain Alyssa Healy admitted her team was outplayed: “India used the new ball effectively and their bowlers didn’t allow us to settle. This is valuable preparation as we head into the World Cup,” she said.
India skipper Harmanpreet Kaur praised her team’s discipline: “We stuck to our plans and Smriti gave us the platform we needed. Our bowlers kept creating chances throughout, which made the difference,” she remarked.
Player of the Match
Mandhana, whose previous two centuries against Australia had ended in defeats, was delighted to be on the winning side: “This time I’m happy the hundred contributed to victory. Against Australia you know the par score is 280–290 and we managed to reach that,” she said.
