Australia’s women’s cricket team began their preparations for the upcoming World Cup in the best possible fashion, cruising to an emphatic eight-wicket win over India in the first of three one-day internationals in New Chandigarh. It was a performance filled with intent and clinical execution, headlined by a brilliant innings from Phoebe Litchfield, who once again showed why she is considered one of the brightest stars in the Australian setup.
India had earlier won the toss and opted to bat, hoping to test Australia’s bowlers on a batting-friendly surface. The home side put together a competitive total of 7-281 from their allotted 50 overs, thanks to fine contributions from their top order. Smriti Mandhana played with elegance on her way to 58, while her opening partner Pratika Rawal compiled a confident 64. Their 114-run opening stand gave India a strong platform, and when Harleen Deol added a composed 54 at number three, the hosts looked on course for a total that would test the visitors.
Richa Ghosh chipped in with 25 and Radha Yadav added 19, while Deepti Sharma provided valuable resistance with an unbeaten 25. Despite India’s steady batting effort, Australia’s varied bowling attack ensured the runs never came at a breakneck pace. Veteran seamer Megan Schutt picked up 2-45, including the key wicket of Deol, in what was her 100th one-day international, a milestone that underlined her longevity at the highest level. Annabel Sutherland (1-31) and Kim Garth (1-56) chipped in with important breakthroughs, while Ellyse Perry (0-15) and Georgia Wareham (0-36) kept the scoring rate in check. Eight different bowlers were used by captain Alyssa Healy, a clear sign that Australia was keen to rotate its options in preparation for the World Cup opener against New Zealand in Indore on October 1.
If India believed their total of 281 was enough to put Australia under pressure, they were quickly proven wrong. Healy, returning to international cricket after a lengthy absence since February’s Ashes Test, came out with positive intent, racing to 27 off 23 balls before falling to all-rounder Kranti Goode. That early breakthrough gave India some hope, but it also paved the way for the Litchfield show.
Litchfield walked to the crease and immediately looked at ease, finding the gaps and dispatching anything loose to the boundary. Her innings of 88 from just 80 balls included 14 fours and was a masterclass in controlled aggression. She reached her half-century in only 44 deliveries, ensuring that Australia’s chase never lost momentum. Even when Perry was forced to retire hurt on 30 with a calf cramp, the Australians did not falter. Litchfield carried the innings with maturity beyond her years, falling just 12 runs short of what would have been her third ODI century when she was caught off the bowling of Sneh Rana.
By then, the match was all but decided. Beth Mooney, calm and unflappable as ever, anchored the innings with an unbeaten 77, while Annabel Sutherland backed up her strong bowling display with an equally impressive 54 not out. Together, they saw Australia home with 35 balls to spare, finishing on 2-282 in 44.1 overs. It was the fourth-highest successful run chase in women’s one-day internationals, underlining the strength and depth of the Australian batting order.
The performance reinforced Australia’s reputation as the most formidable side in women’s cricket. Litchfield’s boundary-laden knock rightly earned her the player-of-the-match award, but the contributions across the team were equally important. Healy’s aggressive start, Perry’s stylish cameo before injury, and the calm finishing of Mooney and Sutherland all played a role in ensuring that India’s bowlers had no answer once the chase was in full swing.
For India, the defeat will sting, but there were positives to take from the batting performance of their top order. Mandhana and Rawal showed resilience against Australia’s pace attack, while Deol’s half-century provided stability. However, their bowling attack lacked penetration and discipline against a side that thrives under pressure. The challenge for India now will be to regroup quickly, as the series continues with two more ODIs before the World Cup begins on September 30.
Australia, meanwhile, will be delighted with their strong start. The team’s ability to chase down a sizeable target with composure and flair sends a clear warning to other contenders at the World Cup. With Healy back in action, Litchfield in sublime touch, and Mooney continuing her remarkable consistency, the defending champions look primed for another dominant tournament.
The next two matches will provide further opportunities for both teams to fine-tune their strategies and combinations. But if this opening clash is anything to go by, Australia’s depth, balance, and experience already appear a cut above the rest, leaving India with plenty to ponder before their next encounter.
