Australia Outshines India: Secures Series Victory in Intense 3rd ODI Battle
Two captivating innings on both sides of a thrilling Saturday break served as the perfect showcase for the upcoming Women’s Cricket World Cup.
Beth Mooney’s explosive 138 off just 75 balls (23×4, 1×6) almost single-handedly secured Australia a series-clinching victory against India at the Arun Jaitley Stadium. Australia posted a formidable 412, a total 110 runs beyond the highest successful chase ever recorded in women’s ODIs.
For the first 20 overs of India’s chase, victory seemed within reach.
Indian opener Smriti Mandhana batted as if in a trance, having already scored 58 and 117 in her last two outings while displaying fluency throughout.
On this evening, she was exceptional.
AS IT HAPPENED | IND-W vs AUS-W Highlights, 3rd ODI
The left-handed artist enraptured the crowd with a dazzling array of strokes. Her bat transformed into a magical wand, producing one exquisite shot after another.
The Australian bowlers were left reeling.
At the end of the first 20 overs, India was 204 for two. With skipper Harmanpreet Kaur (52, 35b, 8×4) finding her rhythm, India was on the verge of making history in various ways.
However, Harmanpreet fell leg before to Kim Garth, ending a 121-run stand for the third wicket. In the following over, the vice-captain was sent to the pavilion: Smriti, attempting to pull a full toss, was caught at deep square-leg by Grace Harris.
Earlier, Smriti reached her century in just 50 balls. Only former Australian captain Meg Lanning has achieved a faster century in women’s ODIs, reaching hers in 45 balls.
Despite the setbacks, Deepti Sharma (72, 58b, 5×4, 2×6) fought valiantly, but the target was simply too overwhelming.
Smriti’s hundred came off 50 balls. Only former Australian captain Meg Lanning has made a faster century in women’s ODIs — off 45 balls. | Photo Credit: SHIV KUMAR PUSHPAKAR
Smriti’s hundred came off 50 balls. Only former Australian captain Meg Lanning has made a faster century in women’s ODIs — off 45 balls. | Photo Credit: SHIV KUMAR PUSHPAKAR
Earlier in the day, Mooney was the star of Australia’s remarkable batting performance, playing with urgency. Entering the match with a strike rate close to 86, she batted at an astonishing 184 in this innings.
After captain Alyssa Healy (30, 18b, 7×4) was dismissed by Kranti Goud for the third time in the series, fellow opener Georgia Voll (81, 68b, 14×4), Ellyse Perry (68, 72b, 7×4, 2×6), and Gardner (39, 24b, 5×4, 1×6) relentlessly attacked the Indian bowlers, who had dominated in the second ODI at New Chandigarh.
With this victory, Australia has kept its unbroken record in bilateral series against India intact, a streak dating back to 1984.
Published on Sep 20, 2025
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