In a clinical display, Australia outclassed India by six wickets in the opening ODI of their series at Brisbane’s Allan Border Field, grabbing a 1-0 advantage. Standout performer Beth Mooney anchored the chase with a match-winning 76.
Opting to field after winning the toss, Australia watched India bat first and crumble under pressure. The innings started disastrously with Pratika Raval out for zero. Early losses of Shefali Verma and Jemimah Rodrigues had India at 52-3.
Harmanpreet Kaur’s resilient 53, supported by Smriti Mandhana’s 58 and partnerships with Richa Ghosh and Kashvee Gautam, dragged India to 214 all out. Gardner’s three-for headlined Australia’s bowling effort.
The response was fluent. Healy and Litchfield raced to 55 before wickets fell. Healy’s half-century laid the platform, but Mooney’s fireworks – including two massive sixes – propelled Australia forward. Sutherland’s unbeaten 48 ensured a comfortable finish.
India’s bowlers couldn’t stem the flow, with only Renuka Thakur taking two scalps. This win highlights Australia’s depth and form ahead of the crucial Hobart clashes. Fans await if India can bounce back in the series decider.