Megan Schutt's Impressive Five-Wicket Haul Secures Australia's Victory Over India in First WODI
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Brisbane, December 5 (NationPress) – Fast-bowler Megan Schutt delivered a spectacular performance with figures of 5/19, effectively dismantling India's top order and laying the groundwork for a commanding five-wicket victory for Australia in the opening match of the ODI series at Allan Border Field on Thursday.
Choosing to bat first, India’s batting lineup struggled to find their footing, hindered by Schutt and her teammates who denied them any rhythm, leading to their dismissal for just 100 runs. This marked their lowest total in ODIs since 2012.
In response, debutant Georgia Voll played a crucial role with an unbeaten 46 off 42 balls, allowing Australia to chase down the target in just 17 overs, despite losing five wickets along the way, thus securing a 1-0 lead in the three-match series.
Megan kicked off her outstanding performance by taking down openers Smriti Mandhana and Priya Punia. Following this, Harleen Doel (19) fell to Ashleigh Gardner, and shortly after, Harmanpreet Kaur (17) was trapped lbw by Annabel Sutherland. India’s hopes of reaching a respectable total crumbled as Jemimah Rodrigues was bowled out by Kim Garth.
India then lost their final six wickets for a mere 11 runs, ending their innings at 100 in 34.2 overs. In pursuit of a modest target of 101, Georgia and Phoebe Litchfield (35) established a solid 48-run partnership to give the home side a good start. However, Renuka Singh Thakur turned the tide dramatically with three quick wickets, leaving Australia at 52/3.
Young leg-spinner Priya Mishra dismissed Annabel and Ashleigh in quick succession, injecting some excitement back into the game for Harmanpreet’s team. Nevertheless, Georgia’s composed and match-winning 46 not out ultimately led Australia to victory in the 17th over.
With this victory, Australia solidifies its position at the top of the ICC Women’s Championship standings with 30 points, while India holds third with 25 points. The second ODI is scheduled to take place at the same venue on Sunday.
Brief Scores: India 100 (Jemimah Rodrigues 23, Megan Schutt 5-19, Annabel Sutherland 1-13) lost to Australia 102/5 (Georgia Voll 46 not out, Phoebe Litchfield 35, Renuka Singh Thakur 3-45, Priya Mishra 2-11) by five wickets.
