The Indian women's cricket team beat Australia by 102 runs to level the three-match ODI series 1-1. The victory, fueled by a sensational century from Smriti Mandhana, ended India’s eight-match losing streak against Australia and shattered the Aussies' 13-match winning streak, which dated back to February 2024. The defeat is also Australia's heaviest in the format in terms of runs.
India, coming off a loss in the first ODI, put up a challenging total of 292, their highest-ever against Australia. At the heart of this innings was Smriti Mandhana, who hammered her 12th ODI century in just 77 balls. Her knock of 117, which included 14 fours and four sixes, lit up the stadium and equaled the record for most ODI centuries by an opener. This was her third ODI hundred this year, warming up her form ahead of the upcoming Women’s World Cup.
The Indian bowling attack, bolstered by the return of pacer Renuka Singh Thakur, delivered a disciplined performance. While Thakur provided the initial breakthrough by dismissing Georgia Voll, it was the collective effort that sealed the win. Young seamer Kranti Goud was the pick of the bowlers with figures of 3 for 28, while off-spinner Deepti Sharma contributed with both bat and ball, scoring a vital 40 and taking two key wickets.
Australia's chase never gained momentum as India's bowling and fielding kept them on a tight leash. Despite valiant efforts from Ellyse Perry (44) and Annabel Sutherland (45), the asking rate proved too high. Arundhati Reddy's three catches in the deep and a brilliant caught-and-bowled by Radha Yadav highlighted India's improved fielding display. The visitors were eventually bowled out for 190 in 40.5 overs, a far cry from their dominant performance in the first match.
The win not only levels the series but also provides a massive confidence boost for the Indian team as they head into the Women’s World Cup, which kicks off on September 30. The third and final ODI, now a blockbuster decider, will be played in New Delhi on September 20. This victory, marking India's first home win against Australia in 18 years, has shown that the team has what it takes to beat the world champions.