The second women’s ODI between India and Australia kicked off at Hobart’s Ninja Stadium with India seizing the initiative by winning the toss and choosing to bat. Captain Harmanpreet Kaur’s decision comes after a shaky start to the series, where India fell short in Brisbane despite a competitive 214.
Australia romped home by six wickets, exposing vulnerabilities in India’s top order. Prathika Raval failed to open her account, Shafali Verma managed just four runs, and Jemimah Rodrigues scored eight. These players must step up to provide stability and momentum. Mandhana’s previous fifty offers hope, while Harmanpreet’s leadership and batting prowess will be pivotal in posting a defendable total.
Excitement surrounds the debut of Vaishnavi Sharma, the 20-year-old left-arm spinner, who could prove a game-changer in the middle overs. Her fresh legs and variations might unsettle Australia’s middle order later.
Hosts Australia, buoyed by their 1-0 lead, field a star-studded side with Healy at the helm, supported by aggressive openers and all-rounders like Tahlia McGrath. They aim to wrap up the series swiftly.
Full India XI: Smriti Mandhana, Prathika Raval, Harmanpreet Kaur (capt), Jemimah Rodrigues, Richa Ghosh (keeper), Deepti Sharma, Amanjot Kaur, Kashvee Gautam, Kranti Gaud, Vaishnavi Sharma, Sree Charani.
Full Australia XI: Alyssa Healy (capt), Phoebe Litchfield, Georgia Voll, Beth Mooney (keeper), Annabel Sutherland, Ashley Gardner, Tahlia McGrath, Nicola Carey, Alana King, Megan Schutt, Darcie Brown.
As the innings unfolds, all eyes are on whether India can bounce back and keep the series alive with a strong batting display.