Smriti Mandhana's century was the highlight of India's innings. Facing 91 deliveries, the reliable left-hander garnered 117 runs, which was laced with 14 boundaries and four maximums. Later, Deepti Sharma smashed 40 runs after facing 53 balls. Her knock was laced with two boundaries
Smriti Mandhana (Pic: Instagram/indiancricketteam)
Smriti Mandhana’s stellar 91-ball 117 powered India to a competitive total of 292 runs in the second women’s ODI against Australia, held at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium in Punjab on Wednesday.
Mandhana’s century was the highlight of India’s innings, laced with 14 boundaries and four sixes. The knock also set a new benchmark, as she recorded the fastest century ever by a batter against Australia in women’s ODIs.
Put in to bat first, India lost an early wicket with debutant opener Pratika Rawal departing for 25 off 32 deliveries, including four boundaries. Despite the early blow, Mandhana took charge, accelerating the innings with aggressive stroke play.
Harleen Deol managed 10 runs off 24 balls, striking one boundary, while skipper Harmanpreet Kaur struggled to convert her start, scoring 17 runs from 26 balls, with two boundaries.
Deepti Sharma added solidity to the middle order with a composed 40 off 53 balls, hitting two boundaries. Richa Ghosh and Sneh Rana chipped in with valuable cameos, Ghosh scored 29 off 33 deliveries (3 fours), while Rana hit a brisk 24 off 18 balls, also with three boundaries.
Thanks to these contributions, India posted a strong total of 292, setting Australia a target of 293 runs to win the match.
On the bowling front, Darcie Brown was the pick for Australia, claiming 3 wickets for 42 runs in her 8 overs. She was supported by Ashleigh Gardner, who returned impressive figures of 2 for 39 in her full quota of 10 overs. Megan Schutt, Annabel Sutherland, and Tahlia McGrath picked up a wicket apiece. However, Ellyse Perry, Georgia Wareham, and Alana King went wicketless.
Australia currently lead the three-match ODI series 1-0, having won the first match.
Meanwhile, Jemimah Rodrigues has been ruled out of the ODI series due to a viral fever. The Team India management has named Tejal Hasabnis as her replacement. The team is hopeful Rodrigues will recover in time for the upcoming ICC Women’s ODI World Cup 2025.
India will begin their World Cup campaign against Sri Lanka Women on September 30.
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