2nd WODI: Stellar Centuries from Voll & Perry, Sutherland’s Four-Wicket Performance Secures 122-Run Victory for Australia Over India

Brisbane, December 8 (NationPress) Remarkable centuries by the young Georgia Voll and the veteran Ellyse Perry, combined with a sensational four-wicket performance by Annabel Sutherland, allowed Australia to seize a decisive 2-0 lead after a resounding victory over India by 122 runs at the Allan Border Field on Sunday.

Bathed in bright sunlight, Georgia, participating in only her second ODI, notched up 101 runs – marking her maiden century in this format, while Ellyse contributed 105 runs, achieving her third century in 50-over matches. Valuable contributions from Phoebe Litchfield (60 runs) and Beth Mooney (56 runs) enabled Australia to post a formidable total of 371/8, their third-highest score in the history of women's ODIs, against an ineffective Indian bowling attack.

Facing a daunting target of 372, India struggled without the injured Priya Punia. Although Richa Ghosh provided a solid start with a fifty and Minnu Mani remained not out at 46, India lost wickets frequently and ultimately succumbed to a total of 249 runs.

For Australia, all-rounder Annabel Sutherland was the standout bowler, recording impressive figures of 4-38. Opting to bat first, Georgia and Phoebe launched a vigorous opening partnership, amassing 130 runs before Phoebe was dismissed by pacer Saima Thakor in the 20th over.

Georgia then collaborated with Ellyse to forge a 92-run partnership for the second wicket, which concluded when Georgia was dismissed for 101 off 87 balls, her innings filled with 12 boundaries and played in front of enthusiastic friends and family at the stadium.

Ellyse and Beth pushed Australia past the 300 mark with a rapid 98-run partnership that came off just 69 balls. However, Ellyse's wicket, bowled by Deepti Sharma in the 44th over, triggered a mini-collapse, as Australia lost six wickets for a mere 30 runs shortly thereafter.

Nevertheless, stand-in captain Tahlia McGrath managed to score an unbeaten 20 off just 12 balls, ensuring that Australia surpassed the 350 mark for the fourth time in their ODI history. For India, aside from Saima’s commendable 3-62, the bowling performance was largely forgettable, with leg-spinner Priya Mishra giving away 1-88 in her 10 overs, marking the most expensive figures by an Indian bowler in women's ODIs.

During their chase, India surpassed the total of 100 runs they had scored in the series opener, with contributions from batters like Richa, Minnu, and Jemimah Rodrigues, along with captain Harmanpreet Kaur. However, none of them could replicate the longevity of Georgia or Ellyse to effectively chase down the target.

Smriti Mandhana was bowled by Kim Garth in the fourth over, and Harleen Deol followed suit shortly after during the powerplay, dismissed by Annabel. Richa and Harmanpreet attempted to stabilize the innings with a partnership of 66 runs before Richa was bowled by Alana King.

Harmanpreet and Jemimah Rodrigues added 37 runs more before the Indian captain was caught off Megan Schutt's bowling. Jemimah scored 43 off 39 balls before being dismissed by Sophie Molineux. While Minnu fought valiantly with the tailenders, scoring 46 not out to help India's total exceed 200, the team ultimately fell short, getting bowled out in 44.5 overs. The third and final ODI is scheduled for December 11 at the WACA Ground in Perth.

Summary of Scores: Australia 371/8 (Ellyse Perry 105, Georgia Voll 101; Saima Thakor 3-62) defeated India 249 (Richa Ghosh 54, Minnu Mani 46 not out; Annabel Sutherland 4-39) by 122 runs.