Hobart’s Ninja Cricket Stadium hosted the second ODI between Australia and India women, where the visitors, after losing the opener, fought back valiantly. Opting to bat first upon winning the toss, India reached 251 for 9, thanks to half-centuries from Pratiketa Rawal and skipper Harmanpreet Kaur.
Mandhana and Rawal set the tone with a 78-run opening partnership. Mandhana’s 31 came off 37 deliveries with four fours, but quick losses followed: Rodrigues (11), Rawal (52), and Sharma (1), slumping India to 103/4.
Harmanpreet Kaur’s composed 54-run knock off 70 balls, featuring two boundaries and a maximum, stabilized the ship. She built crucial stands, departing at the fall of the eighth wicket. Support came from Ghosh (22), Gautam (25), Gaud (19), Amanjot (13), and unbeaten debutant Sharma (10* off 5).
The Australian attack was led by Gardner (2/39), King (2/41), and Sutherland (2/37), with Schutt and Carey snaring one apiece. Their disciplined bowling restricted India but couldn’t prevent a defendable total.
Down 0-1 in the series, India eyes a series-levelling victory. Australia’s chase of 252 will test their batting depth on this surface. Expect a tense battle as both teams vie for momentum.
