Australia Dominates India with 3-0 Series Victory; Smriti's Century Goes Unrewarded
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Perth, Dec 11 (NationPress) Opener Smriti Mandhana’s ninth ODI century proved futile as Annabel Sutherland’s explosive 110 alongside Ashleigh Gardner’s impressive bowling figures of 5-30 propelled Australia to defeat India by 83 runs, completing a clean sweep of the series at the WACA Stadium on Wednesday.
Batting first, openers Georgia Voll and Phoebe Litchfield set up a solid 58-run partnership before Arundhati Reddy changed the momentum with her seam bowling in her first spell, claiming the wickets of both openers, as well as Ellyse Perry and Beth Mooney, to record a career-best 4-27.
However, Arundhati lacked support from the rest of the Indian bowlers and fielders, allowing Annabel—who was dropped on 12—to score a stunning 110 off 95 balls in the sweltering Perth conditions, hitting nine fours and four sixes, before being run out on the second-last ball of the innings, helping Australia to a total of 298/6.
She received contributions from Ashleigh Gardner, who scored 50, and captain Tahlia McGrath, who remained unbeaten on 56. In response, despite Smriti crafting a brilliant 105 off 109 balls, the remainder of the Indian batting lineup faltered, resulting in a total of 215 all out in 45.1 overs, with Ashleigh claiming 5-30.
Georgia and Phoebe collectively struck eight boundaries before Arundhati turned the tide. She bowled Georgia with a magnificent inswinger and followed up with a delivery that induced a faint edge from Phoebe, caught by Richa Ghosh.
More challenges ensued for Australia as Arundhati produced an exceptional delivery that clipped the top of Ellyse’s off stump and found swing to catch Beth’s outside edge. After being reduced to 78/4, Annabel and Ashleigh formed a vital 96-run partnership for the fifth wicket, notably attacking Deepti Sharma and Minnu Mani.
Shortly after Ashleigh reached her half-century, her attempt to slice a delivery from Deepti resulted in a catch at backward point. Meanwhile, Annabel accelerated her scoring, reaching her half-century in just 59 balls, and forming a 122-run partnership with Tahlia for the sixth wicket.
Although she was dismissed shortly after her century, which was achieved by striking Deepti over mid-wicket for six, Annabel ensured Australia posted another formidable total, while Arundhati recorded the best figures by a visiting bowler against Australia in women's ODIs this century.
Chasing a target of 299 against Australia was always going to be a challenge, yet Smriti showcased her talent, hitting 14 fours and a six in her ton. She shared a significant 118-run partnership with Harleen Deol for the second wicket, before the latter was dismissed through a caught and bowled by Alana King.
Despite Harmanpreet Kaur falling to a catch at mid-on off Annabel, India seemed to be in a good position to chase down the target. However, once Ashleigh returned for her second spell and bowled Smriti, she wreaked havoc on India’s fragile middle and lower order, achieving a remarkable five-wicket haul, causing the visitors’ chase to crumble and concluding their short tour without a victory.
Summary of Scores: Australia 298/6 (Annabel Sutherland 110, Tahlia McGrath 56; Arundhati Reddy 4-26) defeated India 215 (Smriti Mandhana 105, Harleen Deol 39; Ashleigh Gardner 5-30, Megan Schutt 2-26) by 83 runs.
