Australia Takes Command with 1-0 Lead through Teamwork

Australia secured a dominant eight-wicket win against India in their World Cup preparations, held in New Chandigarh on Sunday. India, batting first, scored 281 for 7 thanks to contributions from their top three batsmen. Australia’s chase was anchored by Phoebe Litchfield’s impressive 88, complemented by an unbroken partnership of 116 runs between Beth Mooney (77) and Annabel Sutherland (54), achieving the target with 5.5 overs to spare. India’s subpar fielding and bowling further hampered their efforts.

The Indian opening partnership started strong, with Pratika Rawal anchoring while Smriti Mandhana adopted an aggressive approach. The duo’s century stand marked a record for India, becoming the joint-most for the opening wicket in the format.

During their partnership of 114 runs, the Mandhana-Rawal pair surpassed 1200 runs as partners, at an impressive run-rate of just over 6. Mandhana reached a 55-ball fifty, but her dismissal followed by some tight bowling led to a decline in India’s scoring.

As the innings progressed, India struggled to maintain momentum. A few late contributions helped them reach 281, which was regarded as insufficient for a strong defense against Australia, compounded by poor bowling and fielding.

During the chase, Alyssa Healy and Litchfield got off to a brisk start, but Healy’s wicket offered India a sliver of hope. Litchfield, however, capitalized on missed chances, leading the run chase effectively alongside Ellyse Perry until her retirement due to injury.

Mooney joined the chase and quickly built momentum, leading to an unbroken partnership that secured Australia’s win with 35 balls remaining. With meticulous batting, they effectively dismantled both spin and pace bowling to achieve an easy victory.

Brief Scores: India 281/7 in 50 overs (Pratika Rawal 64, Smriti Mandhana 58, Harleen Deol 54; Megan Schutt 2-45) lost to Australia 282/2 in 44.1 overs (Phoebe Litchfield 88, Beth Mooney 77*, Annabel Sutherland 54*) by 8 wickets.