Mandhana ton in vain as Australia clinch series in style courtesy Beth Mooney’s career-best score here at Delhi.
Australia clinch series after scintillating Mooney, Mandhana tons and 781 runs.
Nearly 800 runs were scored at a rate of more than eight runs per over during Saturday’s fast-paced cricket match in Delhi. Beth Mooney scored what at the time was the second-fastest ODI century, which helped Australia reach 412. India went for both of those goals, with Smriti Mandhana in particular. They won—Mandhana is now the second-fastest centurion—but India lost the series decider by just 43 runs.
As they were ready to defend their title under these precise circumstances, Australia ultimately preserved their enviable record of never losing a bilateral ODI series in India.
Pakistan nearly chased down 313 in Lahore on Friday, marking the second consecutive day that a world record pursuit was attempted with just ten days left until the Women’s World Cup 2025. India rushed to 204 for 2 in just 20 overs when faced with the towering goal of 413. But by persevering and scoring frequently to win the series 2-1, Australia reminded everyone why they are the reigning world champions.
Australia equalled their greatest total thanks to a century from Mooney on 57 balls and numerous misfields from India. Oddly enough, their innings ended in 47.5 overs with a late collapse of 6 for 34, yet their final total appeared to be below what they were projected to score.
Vice-captain Mandhana spearheaded India’s quick-thinking comeback. Together with captain Harmanpreet Kaur, she scored 121 runs in just 69 balls as Australia looked for methods to stop the run flow. India lost three wickets in 19 balls as a result of Harmanpreet’s unintentional knee injury.
With a counterattacking half-century, Deepti Sharma, who batted at No. 5 in Jemimah Rodrigues’ absence, kept India’s chances alive. Her strike rate of 124.13 was her fastest for a knock over 20 runs, and she scored 72 off 58 balls. Together with Sneh Rana, she scored 65 off 54 balls for the ninth wicket, bringing India closer to the goal. However, she holed out to deep midwicket with 59 needed off 46 balls, ending India’s chances of a miracle.