New Delhi, Sep 21 (NationPress) In pursuit of a massive target of 413 runs, India put forth a commendable effort to chase down the total at a frenetic pace, fueled by Smriti Mandhana’s record-setting 125 and half-centuries from Deepti Sharma and Harmanpreet Kaur.

However, Australia, true to their status as reigning world champions, struck consistently to halt India’s rapid advance and secure a 43-run victory, clinching the ODI series 2–1. Beth Mooney, who dazzled with a phenomenal 138 earlier in the match, stated she was not surprised by the home team's aggressive approach.

“It was an exhilarating ODI match, honestly. When you're chasing such a large total, there's only one way to go. So, their explosive start didn’t catch me off guard,” she remarked after the match.

“We had a few chances that slipped through our fingers, which happens sometimes. But from a spectator's point of view, I’m sure it was an incredible game to watch,” she added.

While Smriti was delivering one stunning shot after another to captivate the sizable crowd, Australia felt the pressure, especially during their own misfields. However, when Harmanpreet had to attend to an injury, it allowed Australia the opportunity to regroup and make crucial strikes that sealed their victory.

“Throughout this series, Smriti has been aggressive. She’s a talented player and has excelled for India over the past couple of years. From my perspective, it was essential to stay composed, as did the rest of the team, knowing we would get some chances,” Mooney explained.

“Regrettably, we missed a few early opportunities. But once we started taking wickets and applying pressure, we changed the game’s dynamics. During Harman's break, we used that time to reset and strategize,” she continued.

“It was simply about regrouping. I’m not the captain, so I can’t say why Grace was brought on, but perhaps her off-spin matched Smriti well, and it worked out.”

The match served as a testament to Australia’s resilience, especially after facing a record 102-run defeat in the second ODI in New Chandigarh. “We've shown excellent ODI cricket over the past two years, and we are all human,” she commented.

“We make mistakes and wrong calls at times, which might have contributed to our previous loss. But the way we played in this match was commendable, maintaining our composure with the ball. I couldn’t have asked for more from the team,” she noted.

“To win World Cups, it is essential to be both adaptable and composed. We exhibited that when Smriti was on fire, building partnerships with Harman and later with Deepti. It was great to see creative strategies from the bowlers supported by the fielders,” added Beth.

On a flat pitch and lightning-fast outfield, Beth started strong from the outset, ensuring Australia maintained their momentum with frequent boundaries. She dominated the inconsistent Indian bowling attack, hitting 23 fours and a six in her career-best ODI performance.

“The wicket was quite flat. You had to capitalize while you could. Once settled, you had to aim big. We observed that with players like Georgia Voll, Ellyse Perry, and even Ash Gardner, who approached the game with intent. We may have fallen short towards the end without a set batter, but scoring 412 runs at the start was a win in itself,” she stated.

The run-fest at the Arun Jaitley Stadium will be remembered for the vast potential in women's ODIs, especially with a World Cup approaching. “I hope there aren’t too many flat wickets like that in the World Cup; I’m not sure I have the stamina for seven or eight games like that,” she joked.

“However, it certainly demonstrates the possibilities in women’s cricket when played with the right mindset and tempo. Hopefully, not every match will be like this, but it’s an exciting display of where the game currently stands and where it is headed,” concluded Mooney.