Smriti Mandhana’s scintillating century went in vain as India succumbed to a 43-run defeat against Australia, losing the three-match Women’s ODI series 1-2 at home on Saturday.
Chasing a daunting 413 for victory, India stumbled after Mandhana’s dismissal at 125 off 63 balls, having hit 17 boundaries and 5 sixes. Deepti Sharma’s 72 off 58 balls and a late 65-run partnership with Sneh Rana offered brief hope, but the hosts ultimately fell short at 369 in 47 overs.
Mandhana’s knock, her second-fastest in WODIs, eclipsed former Australian batter Karen Rolton’s record of a 57-ball hundred against South Africa in 2000-01. The fastest century in women’s ODIs remains Meg Lanning’s 45-ball effort against New Zealand in 2012-13.
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Beth Mooney’s masterclass innings of 138 off 75 balls (23x4, 1x6) anchored Australia’s formidable total of 412 all out, their joint highest-ever score in ODIs. Opener Georgia Voll contributed 81 off 61 balls, while Ellyse Perry added 68, sharing a 106-run partnership with Mooney for the third wicket.
Australia’s bowlers, led by Kim Garth (3/69) and Megan Schutt (2/53), kept India in check despite Harmanpreet Kaur’s 52 and the late rally by Sharma and Rana.
The series loss marks a disappointing end to India’s record-chasing aspirations but showcases Mandhana’s remarkable form and resilience under pressure.
Brief Scores
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Australia: 412 all out in 47.5 overs (Beth Mooney 138, Georgia Voll 81, Ellyse Perry 68; Deepti Sharma 2/75, Arundhati Reddy 3/86)
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India: 369 all out in 47 overs (Smriti Mandhana 125, Deepti Sharma 72, Harmanpreet Kaur 52, Sneh Rana 35; Kim Garth 3/69, Megan Schutt 2/53)
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