INDW vs AUSW: Australia asserts dominance as they hand India a clean sweep

Australia bounced back strongly after a disappointing defeat in the one-off Test against India, securing a clean sweep in the three-match ODI series. Alyssa Healy and Co. displayed absolute dominance and won the third and final game, held at the iconic Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai on January 2.

In the final match, India struggled and suffered a humiliating 190-run defeat while chasing a mammoth 339-run target. Megan Schutt made an early breakthrough by dismissing opener Yastika Bhatia in the final delivery of the fifth over of the chase. The right-arm fast-medium bowler struck again, removing Smriti Mandhana, leaving India at 43/2 in 8.1 overs. Georgia Wareham contributed to Australia’s success by dismissing captain Harmanpreet Kaur and wicketkeeper-batter Richa Gosh.

Following Ashleigh Gardner’s dismissal of Jemimah Rodrigues, Alana King secured two wickets by removing Amanjot Kaur and Pooja Vastrakar, putting India at 128/7 with India losing all hopes to avoid a whitewash. Annabel Sutherland was the fifth one to pick a wicket for the visitors, as she dismissed Shreyanka Patil (2) and birthday girl Renuka Singh for a golden duck in the second and third deliveries of the 30th over, which saw India struggling at 135/9. In a resilient effort, Deepti Sharma, batting at No. 6, partnered with Mannat Kashyap to play for the last wicket. However, Wareham eventually dismissed Kashyap, leading to India being bowled out for 148 in 32.4 overs.

Litchfield’s century powers Australia to post 338 in 50 overs

Opting to bat first upon winning the toss, Australia set an imposing total of 338 runs in 50 overs. The Australian innings kicked off with a sensational performance as Phoebe Litchfield and Alyssa Healy constructed an impressive 189-run partnership. Healy’s innings was brought to an end by Indian fast bowler Pooja Vastrakar, who dismissed her for 82 runs. On the other hand, Litchfield continued the onslaught, achieving her second century in the format. The 20-year-old’s remarkable 125-ball innings comprised 16 boundaries and one maximum, ultimately concluding at 119 as Deepti Sharma dismissed her.

Despite no other batter excelling with the bat in the middle and lower order, Australia still managed to post a commanding total. Shreyanka Patil and Amanjot Kaur played crucial roles for the hosts, securing three and two wickets, respectively. Looking ahead, both teams will now gear up for the upcoming three-match T20I series scheduled to commence on January 5.