DELHI — In a breathtaking display of power-hitting and a stark contrast to the preceding low-scoring encounters, Australia and India combined to shatter the record for the most aggregate runs scored in a women's One-Day International, with Australia clinching a nerve-wracking three-wicket victory to take the series 2-1 in a historic decider at the Arun Jaitley Stadium.
The final match of the three-game series, played on Tuesday, January 2, 2024, saw a staggering 575 runs scored across 99.3 overs of play, eclipsing the previous record of 509 runs set by New Zealand and Pakistan in Christchurch in 1997. The match was a fitting finale to a hard-fought series, ultimately decided on the penultimate ball.
A Record-Breaking Batting Onslaught
After being asked to bat first on a flat Delhi pitch, India's top order unleashed an assault that set the tone for the day. Openers Shafali Verma and young prodigy Richa Ghosh, promoted up the order, provided a blistering start. Verma's explosive 79 off 45 balls was the catalyst, while Ghosh continued her magnificent form with a career-best 65. The foundation was then masterfully built upon by Jemimah Rodrigues.
Rodrigues, in a display of pure class and timing, crafted a magnificent 82-ball 93, falling just short of a century but ensuring India posted a mammoth total. Her innings was punctuated by 11 boundaries and was a masterclass in finding gaps and rotating the strike. Captain Harmanpreet Kaur added a quickfire 23 to propel India to a formidable 320 for 8, their highest-ever ODI total against Australia.
The Australian bowling attack, usually so disciplined, was put to the sword. Key performers from earlier matches found no respite, with the exception of Georgia Wareham, who was the most economical. Reflecting on the onslaught, Australian all-rounder Ashleigh Gardner said, "We knew it was a good wicket, but 320 was definitely above-par. We had to believe we could chase it down."
The Record Chase and Early Jitters
Chasing a record 321 for victory, Australia's innings began disastrously. The prolific Alyssa Healy was dismissed for a duck in the very first over by Renuka Singh Thakur, and fellow opener Phoebe Litchfield followed soon after, leaving the visitors reeling at 13 for 2. The record chase seemed a distant dream as the pressure mounted immensely on the Australian middle order.
However, the experience of Ellyse Perry and the resolve of Beth Mooney steadied the ship. The pair began to rebuild carefully, seeing off the new ball and gradually increasing the run rate. Their partnership was the turning point, shifting the momentum back towards Australia and proving the pitch held no demons for set batters.
The Perry-Mooney Masterclass and Late Drama
Ellyse Perry, in a player-of-the-match performance, played an innings of immense composure and power. She found the boundary with regularity, registering her 31st ODI half-century. Alongside her, Beth Mooney was equally brilliant, anchoring the innings with a calm 52. Their 129-run partnership for the third wicket brought Australia firmly back into the contest and laid the platform for the dramatic finale.
Even after both set batters were dismissed, the momentum remained with Australia. Tahlia McGrath (28) and Ashleigh Gardner (22) provided crucial cameos. However, India fought back valiantly in the death overs, taking wickets to ensure the match went down to the final over. With 10 runs required off the last 6 balls, the tension was palpable.
The hero for Australia was the cool-headed Georgia Wareham. Stepping up under extreme pressure, she smashed a four and a six to seal the victory with just one ball to spare, sending the Australian dugout into raptures and capping off an unforgettable match. Captain Alyssa Healy praised her team's resilience, stating, "To be 2 for not many and for the group to show that fight was exceptional. We never stopped believing."
Key Statistics and Series Implications
The match was a treasure trove of records and milestones, cementing its place in cricket history. The key numbers from this epic encounter include:
- Aggregate Runs: 575 (Previous record: 509)
- India's Total: 320/8 (Their highest ODI score vs Australia)
- Successful Run Chase: 321/7 (The highest successful run chase in a women's ODI in India)
- Partnership: 129 runs between Perry and Mooney (The highest 3rd wicket partnership for Australia vs India in ODIs)
Beyond the records, the series win was significant for Australia, showcasing their incredible depth and fighting spirit. For India, despite the loss, the record total and the emergence of young talents like Richa Ghosh provided major positives. The series was a fantastic advertisement for the women's game, demonstrating its evolving power and excitement.
A Landmark for Women's Cricket
This match transcended the result of a single series. It served as a powerful statement on the advancing standards of women's international cricket. The ability to score over 300 runs in an innings and then successfully chase it down under immense pressure highlights the immense skill, fitness, and mental fortitude of modern players.
The game was a spectacle of aggressive intent, strategic batting, and never-say-die attitude from both sides. It proved that women's ODIs can be just as, if not more, thrilling as any other format of the game. Former Australian legend Mel Jones commented on broadcast, "This is exactly the kind of cricket that inspires the next generation. It was an absolute run-fest, a classic."
In the end, Australia's experience in high-pressure chases proved to be the difference. However, both teams walked away from the Arun Jaitley Stadium having been part of something truly special—a match that redefined the boundaries of scoring in women's ODI cricket and provided a memorable spectacle for fans around the world.