Mumbai: Despite India’s vice-captain Smriti Mandhana scoring the second fastest century in women’s ODI cricket, the Indian women’s cricket team fell short, losing the third and final match of the series to Australia by 43 runs at Arun Jaitley Stadium, New Delhi. Australia won the series 2-1.
Mandhana’s explosive innings of 125 off 63 balls, featuring five sixes and 17 fours, and strong contributions from captain Harmanpreet Kaur (52 off 35 balls) and Deepti Sharma (72 off 58 balls) couldn’t secure a victory for India. Earlier, Australia posted a formidable total of 412/5 in 47.5 overs, powered by Beth Mooney’s 138 off 75 balls, Georgia Wareham (81 off 68), and Eliza Perry (68 off 72), who shared pivotal partnerships of 106 and 107 runs.
India started strongly with Mandhana and Kaur building a 121-run partnership for the third wicket, but the dismissals of Kaur and Mandhana in quick succession derailed the chase. Despite a valiant lower-order effort, including an unbeaten 30 off 19 balls from Tilak Verma, India could only manage 369 all out.
Mandhana’s century marked her fourth ODI hundred of the year and the second consecutive century in the series, making her the second woman in the world this year to achieve such a feat. She was also the top scorer of the series with 300 runs.
Australia’s Beth Mooney was awarded Player of the Match, her blistering innings anchoring the team to a commanding series victory.
