1st ODI: Pratika Returns as Healy Leads Australia Against India
Synopsis
India selected to bat first in the first ODI against Australia. Key players like Smriti Mandhana and Georgia Voll have been in top form. With Alyssa Healy's last series, the stakes are high as both teams look to assert dominance.
Key Takeaways
India won the toss and opted to bat first.
Smriti Mandhana and Georgia Voll were standout performers in T20Is.
This series is Alyssa Healy's farewell from international cricket.
Both teams are eager to establish dominance in ODIs.
Expect an engaging contest with high stakes.
Brisbane, Feb 24 (NationPress) India won the toss and opted to bat first against Australia in the opening ODI of the three-match series at The Gabba on Tuesday.
The setting may change, but the spotlight remains on the prominent figures as the teams clash. India enters this 50-over match following a 2-1 series victory in T20Is, fueled by exceptional performances.
Smriti Mandhana led the runs for India with a notable 129 runs, while Australia's Georgia Voll shone with her 116 runs. In the bowling department, India showcased strength with Arundhati Reddy taking eight wickets and Shree Charani contributing five crucial dismissals.
The attention now turns to the ODI format, where Australia has a storied legacy. As seven-time world champions with a strong head-to-head record against India, they have historically set the standard in one-day cricket. However, India is determined to carry the momentum and confidence gained from their T20I triumph.
This series also represents Australian captain Alyssa Healy's final appearance in her career, as she prepares to leave international cricket after the home series concludes.
After winning the toss, Indian captain Harmanpreet Kaur commented, “I believe batting first is our best option today. As a team, we decided that we would bat first. We had a great time in the World Cup match, and I hope we can replicate that today. We have made a few changes, with Kashvee returning to the squad. I will share my playing XI for you to review.”
On the other hand, Healy stated, “Happy days. While I would have preferred to bowl first, we have the desired outcome. We need to start strong and take advantage of this fresh wicket. It’s been quite unusual, but also really enjoyable to anticipate how things will unfold in the upcoming matches. It feels great to be back and face the pressure from the Indian side, who have started well in the series. We need to fight hard in this ODI series to regain momentum. Our focus is on starting strong. We take pride in our one-day game and thrive in these conditions.”
Playing XIs:
India: Smriti Mandhana, Pratika Rawal, Shafali Verma, Harmanpreet Kaur (c), Jemimah Rodrigues, Richa Ghosh (wk), Deepti Sharma, Kashvee Gautam, Sree Charani, Kranti Gaud, Renuka Singh
Australia: Alyssa Healy (c), Phoebe Litchfield, Georgia Voll, Beth Mooney (wk), Annabel Sutherland, Ashleigh Gardner, Tahlia McGrath, Sophie Molienux, Alana King, Megan Schutt, Darcie Brown
Point of View
It's crucial to highlight the thrilling context of this ODI. With India riding high on T20 success and Australia aiming to uphold their ODI legacy, this match is poised to be a captivating contest. The farewell of Alyssa Healy adds an emotional layer to the encounter, promising an engaging viewing experience for fans.
NationPress
10 May 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Who won the toss in the 1st ODI?
India won the toss and chose to bat first.
What notable performances were seen in T20Is prior to this ODI?
Smriti Mandhana scored 129 runs, while Georgia Voll made 116 runs in the T20I series.
Is this Alyssa Healy's last series?
Yes, this series marks Alyssa Healy's final appearance in her international cricket career.
What are the playing XIs for both teams?
India: Smriti Mandhana, Pratika Rawal, Shafali Verma, Harmanpreet Kaur (c), Jemimah Rodrigues, Richa Ghosh (wk), Deepti Sharma, Kashvee Gautam, Sree Charani, Kranti Gaud, Renuka Singh. Australia: Alyssa Healy (c), Phoebe Litchfield, Georgia Voll, Beth Mooney (wk), Annabel Sutherland, Ashleigh Gardner, Tahlia McGrath, Sophie Molienux, Alana King, Megan Schutt, Darcie Brown.
What should fans watch for in this match?
Fans should look out for the performances of key players like Smriti Mandhana and the dynamics of Alyssa Healy's leadership in her final series.
