Did Smriti’s 125 Lead India to Victory Against Australia?

New Delhi, Sep 20 (NationPress) Smriti Mandhana delivered a spectacular performance with a remarkable 125 runs off just 63 balls, complemented by impressive half-centuries from Deepti Sharma (72) and captain Harmanpreet Kaur (52). Unfortunately, their combined efforts fell short as Australia clinched a 43-run victory in the third ODI at the Arun Jaitley Stadium on Saturday, securing the series 2-1.

Australia posted a formidable total of 412 runs in 47.5 overs, driven by Beth Mooney’s outstanding 138, setting a daunting target for India. In response to the mammoth chase of 413, India demonstrated remarkable spirit, with vice-captain Smriti reaching her century in a mere 50 balls, marking the fastest hundred by an Indian in women’s ODIs.

Her explosive innings, featuring 17 fours and 5 sixes, kept India’s hopes alive in this challenging chase. However, regular wickets ultimately proved costly, as Australia’s bowlers maintained their composure, bowling India out for 369 runs in 47 overs.

This match also set a new record for the highest aggregate in a women’s ODI, totaling 748 runs, surpassing the previous record of 678 runs from the England-South Africa match in 2017. Despite not winning, India exceeded the 300-run mark for the first time in a chase and became the first team to score over 300 against Australia in women’s ODIs.

Smriti kicked off her innings with a stylish back-foot punch off Kim Garth for four, followed by a series of boundaries off Megan Schutt. Although Pratika Rawal was dismissed for 10 runs, Smriti continued her onslaught, hitting Ashleigh Gardner for six and another boundary.

Displaying ruthless aggression, Smriti amassed two more fours and a six off Garth before smashing Gardner for two boundaries, reaching a sensational fifty in just 23 balls, the fastest by an Indian in ODIs.

The crowd erupted in applause as Smriti entertained the audience, despite a drop catch from Grace Harris. India concluded the first power-play at 96/2, achieving their highest score at this stage in ODIs.

With Australia faltering in their execution, Smriti and Harmanpreet kept the scoreboard ticking with elegant boundaries. Smriti eventually celebrated her century with a six off Alana King, inciting a massive cheer from the crowd.

However, a stoppage to address a knee issue broke Harmanpreet’s momentum, leading to the end of their 121-run partnership when she was trapped LBW by Garth. The stadium fell silent moments later when Smriti was caught out on a top edge off a full toss from Grace.

Despite some aggressive shots from Deepti and Richa Ghosh, Australia fought back as the Indian batters fell quickly. Deepti, however, held firm, scoring her 15th ODI fifty in 42 balls with consistent boundaries.

She partnered with Sneh Rana, who contributed valuable runs, but their 65-run stand ended when Deepti was dismissed by Tahlia McGrath, followed by Sneh being stumped by Megan. Renuka then fell to Garth, sealing Australia’s tightly contested victory.

Brief scores:

Australia 412 all out in 47.5 overs (Beth Mooney 138, Georgia Voll 81; Arundhati Reddy 3-86, Deepti Sharma 2-75) beat India 369 all out in 47 overs (Smriti Mandhana 125, Deepti Sharma 72; Kim Garth 3-69, Megan Schutt 2-53) by 43 runs.