Beth Mooney 76 runs – News Analysis India

Healy: Pressure to Bounce Back After T20 Loss in Australia-India ODI

News Analysis India — Tue, 24 Feb 2026 00:00:00 +0000

In a morale-boosting triumph, Australia defeated India by six wickets in the first women’s ODI in Brisbane, chasing down 215 with ease. The match at Allan Border Field showcased the hosts’ depth and resilience, silencing critics after their T20 series setback.

A beaming Alyssa Healy lauded her side’s execution. ‘Losing the T20s put us under pressure to return to winning ways,’ the skipper said. ‘Today’s performance was superb – a real statement of intent. Proud of this comeback; now to sustain it in Hobart.’

The Australian captain highlighted their ODI pedigree. ‘We thrive in this format, maintaining pressure over long periods. Looking forward to settling into Hobart’s pitch quickly,’ she noted.

Healy pointed to the psychological edge from the win. ‘Undefeated in 21 games here – that’s special. Some players need downtime, but this success will energize the dressing room ahead of game two.’

India’s innings lacked momentum, all out for 214. Mandhana’s 58 and Kaur’s 53 were highlights, but frequent wickets halted progress. Gardner’s 3-33 and Schutt’s 2-42 dismantled the batting lineup.

Mooney’s 76, Healy’s half-century, and Sutherland’s 48* powered Australia home. This victory underscores Australia’s ODI supremacy and puts India on the back foot early in the series. Expect fireworks in the next encounter as India seeks redemption.

Aussie Women Hit 21st Straight Win at Allan Border Field vs India

News Analysis India — Tue, 24 Feb 2026 00:00:00 +0000

BRISBANE – The Australian women’s ODI team continued their remarkable dominance at Allan Border Field, securing a comfortable six-wicket win over India in the first match of the three-game series. This triumph extends their unbeaten home streak to an astonishing 21 games.

India batted first and folded for 214 in 48.3 overs after a promising start. Openers Smriti Mandhana (58) and skipper Harmanpreet Kaur (53) built partnerships, but Kashvee Gautam’s 43 couldn’t prevent a middle-order collapse. Spinner Ashley Gardner shone with figures of 3/33, supported by sharp fielding and timely breakthroughs.

Australia’s chase was clinical. Beth Mooney’s elegant 76, laced with seven fours, set the platform. Alyssa Healy’s half-century accelerated the scoring, and Annabel Sutherland’s unbeaten 48 sealed the deal. Phoebe Litchfield’s 32 provided solidity up top. Only Shree Charani troubled the batters with 2 wickets.

Looking back, Australia’s love affair with this venue dates to 1999’s 100-run rout of South Africa. They followed with seven wins against New Zealand (2006-2011), gritty two-wicket thrillers over England (2017), clean sweeps of Sri Lanka (2019) and New Zealand (2020), plus victories against Pakistan (2023) and India earlier this year.

As the series progresses, India faces a steep uphill battle against a team that’s simply unbeatable at home. Expect fireworks in the deciders.