By Trisha Ghosal in Mullanpur
Australia showed why they remain the gold standard in women’s cricket with a commanding win in the first ODI at Mullanpur. Sharp fielding, disciplined bowling and a calm chase highlighted their superiority. India, left with more questions than answers, will need a stronger all-round effort to level the series in the second game.
India’s batting began brightly last time, with Smriti Mandhana and Pratika Rawal laying the foundation through half-centuries. But the innings lost steam once Mandhana was run out in a mix-up, exposing India’s familiar middle-overs issues.
Harleen Deol eventually finished with a fifty, yet her acceleration came too late to truly lift the total. Captain Harmanpreet Kaur chipped in briefly, but partnerships never carried enough momentum. Deepti Sharma, calm in her press conference, stressed on carrying forward the positives — partnerships and clarity of roles — but acknowledged fielding and consistency must improve.
Bowling balance is another area under scrutiny. India’s four-spinner strategy failed to trouble Australia on a flat track, where Beth Mooney, Elyse Perry, Phoebe Litchfield and Annabel Sutherland all looked comfortable.
Renuka Singh’s sharp fielding drills under lights on Tuesday suggested she could return — a boost India badly need to add variety and wicket-taking options in the power play. Young N Sree Charani also continues to grow into her role, but India’s attack must find ways to break partnerships more decisively.
Australia, by contrast, were clinical. Litchfield’s 88, complemented by her fielding brilliance, set the tone. Mooney underlined their batting depth and adaptability against spin. Perry looked fit in training after retiring hurt, and the Australians’ ability to regroup quickly in the field or with the bat remains their hallmark.
The starkest difference in the opener was fielding. India shelled multiple chances, including one by Harmanpreet herself, while Australia grabbed everything. That intensity, as much as skill, tilted the match. Deepti, in the press conference, insisted India’s lapses were “just a one-off,” but against Australia, second chances are rarely forgiven.
Conditions are again expected to be flat, with humidity and fitness under the spotlight. For India, this is a must-win to keep the series alive; for Australia, it’s about sealing the contest and fine-tuning ahead of the World Cup.
Either way, the second ODI promises another stern examination of India’s temperament and Australia’s relentlessness.
Probable XIs
India: Pratika Rawal, Smriti Mandhana, Harleen Deol, Harmanpreet Kaur (c), Jemimah Rodrigues, Richa Ghosh (wk), Deepti Sharma, N Sree Charani, Sneh Rana, Kranti Goud, Renuka Singh Thakur.
Australia: Phoebe Litchfield, Alyssa Healy (c & wk), Ellyse Perry, Beth Mooney, Annabel Sutherland, Ashleigh Gardner, Tahlia McGrath, Georgia Wareham, Alana King, Darcie Brown, Megan Schutt.
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