MUMBAI — Smriti Mandhana delivered a batting masterclass, scoring a magnificent 136 to power India Women to a commanding 102-run victory over Australia Women in the second one-day international at the Wankhede Stadium on Saturday.
Mandhana’s fifth ODI century, a career-best score, propelled India to a formidable total of 325 for 3, their highest-ever against Australia in the 50-over format. The visitors, in reply, were bowled out for 223 in 41.1 overs, with Deepti Sharma claiming a crucial five-wicket haul to level the three-match series 1-1.
The emphatic win marks a significant turnaround for the hosts, who were comprehensively beaten by six wickets in the series opener. The decider will be played at the same venue on Tuesday, setting up a tantalizing finale to the contest between the world’s top two ranked sides.
A Captain's Knock for the Ages
Leading from the front, stand-in captain Mandhana produced an innings of sheer brilliance and authority. After being put in to bat, she weathered the early pressure from a potent Australian attack before unleashing a breathtaking array of strokes all around the ground. Her 136 came off just 120 deliveries and was studded with 18 boundaries and a towering six.
Mandhana’s innings was a perfect blend of grace and power. She was particularly severe on anything short or wide, cutting and pulling with immense control. Her driving through the off-side, a trademark of her batting, was a feature of her play as she consistently found the gaps in a strong Australian field.
Reflecting on her performance, Mandhana said, "I think it's one of my top (knocks), especially because we lost the first ODI and it was important for us to stand up. Really happy that we could get the team to a good total today."
Building a Formidable Partnership
While Mandhana was the undisputed star, her partnership with the returning Richa Ghosh was the engine of the Indian innings. The pair came together in the 32nd over and proceeded to dismantle the Australian bowling attack in a devastating display of power-hitting.
Ghosh, playing her first match of the series, was the perfect aggressor to Mandhana’s anchor, smashing an unbeaten 96 off just 113 balls. The duo added a monumental 148 runs for the second wicket, a partnership that completely shifted the momentum of the game and took the target beyond Australia’s reach.
Ghosh’s innings was a statement of intent, filled with clean striking and intelligent running between the wickets. She narrowly missed out on a well-deserved century but her contribution was invaluable in setting up the massive total.
Deepti Sharma's All-Round Brilliance
If Mandhana and Ghosh won the game with the bat, Deepti Sharma sealed it with the ball. The off-spinner produced a career-best performance, registering figures of 5 for 38 in her 9.1 overs. Her spell was a masterclass in control and variation, breaking the backbone of the Australian middle order.
Sharma’s key contributions included:
- The crucial wicket of the dangerous Ellyse Perry (19), caught by Mandhana.
- Dismissing the set Beth Mooney (23), breaking a promising partnership.
- Cleaning up the tail with the wickets of Alana King and Kim Garth.
Her performance underscored her value as a world-class all-rounder, adding a vital wicket-taking dimension to the Indian bowling attack on a pitch that offered little assistance to the bowlers.
Australia's Chase Derailed Early
Chasing a record target, Australia’s innings never found its footing. The Indian bowlers, led by Sharma and supported superbly by Pooja Vastrakar (3-53), applied relentless pressure from the outset. The early loss of both openers, Alyssa Healy and Phoebe Litchfield, put the visitors on the back foot immediately.
Tahlia McGrath (48) and Beth Mooney (23) offered some resistance with a 66-run partnership, but Sharma’s introduction proved decisive. Once McGrath fell to a sharp catch by Jemimah Rodrigues, the Australian innings crumbled, losing their last seven wickets for just 79 runs.
Australian captain Alyssa Healy conceded her team was outplayed in all departments. "We were outplayed today. Smriti played an outstanding innings and Richa complemented her beautifully. We just didn't have an answer with the ball and then we kept losing wickets at regular intervals with the bat."
A Series Perfectly Poised
This victory is not just about leveling the series; it is a massive statement of intent from the Indian team. Defeating the world champions so comprehensively, especially after a heavy loss, speaks volumes about the team’s character and resilience.
The win was built on several key performances that bode well for the future:
- Mandhana’s return to peak form as a leader and match-winner.
- Richa Ghosh’s explosive finishing ability in the middle order.
- Deepti Sharma’s evolution into a genuine wicket-taking threat.
- A much-improved fielding display, holding all their catches.
The stage is now set for a thrilling series decider. With confidence soaring on the Indian side and Australia sure to come back stronger, the final ODI promises to be a captivating contest between two proud cricketing nations.
Mandhana summed up the team's mood perfectly: "The way the girls have fought back after the last match, it shows the character of the team. We are really looking forward to the final game now."