Can India Defend 281 Against Australia in 1st ODI?
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Synopsis
In an exhilarating opening match of the women's ODI series, India posted a strong total of 281/7 against Australia, thanks to stellar performances by Pratika Rawal, Smriti Mandhana, and Harleen Deol. Will this be enough for India to secure victory?
Key Takeaways
- Pratika Rawal's innings of 64 runs set a strong foundation for India.
- Smriti Mandhana's experience contributed significantly with her 58 runs.
- Harleen Deol's 54 runs were crucial in maintaining the scoring rate during the middle overs.
- India's total of 281/7 is one of their best against Australia in women's ODIs.
- Australia's Meghan Schutt marked a milestone in her ODI career with two wickets.
New Chandigarh, Sep 14 (NationPress) India achieved a commendable total of 281/7 in 50 overs against Australia during the inaugural match of the women's ODI series, thanks to impressive half-centuries from their leading trio of batters – Pratika Rawal, Smriti Mandhana, and Harleen Deol.
Choosing to bat first in the historic first international match at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium, Pratika and Smriti provided a solid start, forming a robust 114-run opening partnership on a flat wicket, showcasing their ability to handle the new ball effortlessly.
Pratika emerged as the top scorer with a well-crafted 64 runs off 96 balls, marking her sixth ODI fifty with six boundaries, while Smriti contributed with 58 runs off 63 balls, her 32nd ODI half-century adorned with six fours and two sixes, before being run out by Phoebe Litchfield.
“It’s a decent total, and we are confident we can defend it. I enjoy batting with her (Mandhana) more than she enjoys batting with me. It’s always great to bat alongside her, and her ability to tackle each delivery is wonderful to witness,” Pratika mentioned during a mid-innings interview with the broadcasters.
Harleen maintained the momentum during the middle overs, scoring 54 runs off 57 balls, hitting four boundaries and two sixes in her fourth ODI fifty, although India lost some pace as wickets fell around her.
Late contributions from Richa Ghosh (25), Radha Yadav (19), and Deepti Sharma (20 not out) ensured that India could elevate their scoring rate in the death overs, surpassing the 280-mark, which stands as India’s joint second-highest total against Australia in women’s ODIs.
“The pitch was on the slower side, possibly due to the rain that fell between overs, and the bowlers effectively varied their pace, which contributed to the slower run-rate,” Pratika added.
For Australia, pacer Meghan Schutt, marking her 100th ODI appearance and becoming the ninth player from her country to reach this milestone, was the standout bowler with two wickets, while Kim Garth, Annabel Sutherland (who had to leave the field due to heat-related issues), Alana King, and Tahlia McGrath each claimed one wicket.
Brief scores:
India 281/7 in 50 overs (Pratika Rawal 64, Smriti Mandhana 58; Megan Schutt 2-45, Alana King 1-28) against Australia
Point of View
It is evident that India has set a challenging target against Australia in the first ODI. The contributions from the top order are commendable, but the real test will be in defending this total against a strong batting lineup. The match promises exciting cricket and a competitive spirit.
NationPress
14/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
Who were the top scorers for India in the 1st ODI?
The top scorers for India were Pratika Rawal with 64 runs, Smriti Mandhana with 58 runs, and Harleen Deol with 54 runs.
What was India's total in the match against Australia?
India scored a total of 281 runs for the loss of 7 wickets in their 50 overs.
Who was the standout bowler for Australia?
Meghan Schutt was the standout bowler for Australia, taking 2 wickets in her 100th ODI.
