Australia claimed a dominant five-wicket victory over India in the first ODI of the three-match series in Brisbane. India’s batters struggled against the Australian bowling attack, led by veteran Megan Schutt, who claimed her maiden ODI five-wicket haul. Debutant Georgia Voll also impressed, showcasing her potential as Alyssa Healy’s replacement.
India’s captain, Harmanpreet Kaur, surprised many by opting to bat first after winning the toss. Pacer, Titas Sadhu, received her debut cap, while Priya Punia opened alongside Smriti Mandhana. However, facing an in-form Schutt proved challenging. Mandhana fell for just eight runs in the third over, edging one to Beth Mooney while attempting a cut shot.
Harleen Deol, returning after a long injury break, came in at number three. Priya, after a 17-ball struggle, became Schutt’s second victim. Harmanpreet and Harleen tried to rebuild the innings. Harleen played a few good shots before departing for 19. She charged at Ashleigh Gardner but was caught brilliantly by Annabel Sutherland.
Harmanpreet and Jemimah Rodrigues were the last hope for India. After a 20-run stand, team India skipper (17 off 31) fell to Sutherland. Jemimah, who entered this series in good form after the Women’s Big Bash League (WBBL), fought hard. However, she was bowled by a stunning delivery from Kim Garth after scoring 23 off 42 balls. Richa Ghosh added 14 before falling to Schutt.
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India’s batting collapsed, losing their last six wickets for just 11 runs, getting all out for 100 in 34.2 overs. This was India’s lowest ODI total since their 79 against Australia, in 2012 at Wankhede. Schutt’s five-wicket haul dismantled the line-up, supported by Sutherland and Garth. Georgia Wareham and Phoebe Litchfield added to India’s woes with sharp fielding, including the former’s brilliant direct hit to dismiss Deepti Sharma for one.
India’s approach lacked intent, with few attempts to rotate the strike or find boundaries. In response, Australia started explosively, led by debutant Voll and Litchfield. Voll began her international career with a boundary, while Litchfield smashed six consecutive fours. Australia raced to 48 in just 8.4 overs before Renuka Singh struck.
Renuka Singh claimed three quick wickets in the span of four runs, dismissing Litchfield (35 off 29), Ellyse Perry (1), and Beth Mooney (1). The sudden collapse created some excitement as Australia felt the pressure and played rash shots. Priya Mishra, who debuted in the last series against New Zealand, impressed with two crucial wickets. She dismissed Sutherland in her first over and Gardner in her next, with Richa completing a sharp stumping.
Despite the pressure, Voll remained calm and guided Australia to victory. She stayed unbeaten on 46, sealing the chase in just 16.2 overs with five wickets in hand. Voll’s performance made her parents proud in the stands, and skipper Tahlia McGrath praised her “composure and confidence” in the post-match presentation ceremony. Schutt was named Player of the Match for her exceptional five-wicket haul.
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