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Mooney, Healy Star as Australia Crush India by 6 Wickets in 1st ODI

Australia secured a comfortable six-wicket victory over India in the first ODI, taking a 1-0 lead in the three-match series. Chasing a modest 215, the hosts were guided by a solid opening stand and a match-winning partnership between Beth Mooney and captain Alyssa Healy. India, after choosing to bat, were restricted to 214 despite a half-century from Smriti Mandhana, with Australia's bowlers striking at regular intervals. The win also levels the overall multiformat series between the two sides at 4-4.

Key Points: Australia Beat India in 1st ODI: Mooney, Healy Shine

  • Australia chase 215 with 6 wickets in hand
  • Beth Mooney scores 76, Alyssa Healy 50
  • India bowled out for 214
  • Australia level multiformat series 4-4
3 min read

1st ODI: Mooney, Healy guide Australia to easy 6-wicket win over India

Australia chase 215 with ease as Beth Mooney (76) and Alyssa Healy (50) lead a six-wicket win over India in the opening women's ODI.

"Mooney anchored the innings with a polished 76, showcasing her trademark composure and placement."

Brisbane, Feb 24

Australia produced a clinical all-round performance to defeat India by six wickets in the opening ODI at Allan Border Field on Tuesday, chasing down a modest target of 215 with authority to take a 1-0 lead in the three-game ODI series and also level the overall multiformat series' tally to 4-4.

After bowling India out for 214, the hosts made light work of the chase, riding on half-centuries from captain Alyssa Healy and the ever-reliable Beth Mooney. India had promised more at different stages, but ultimately fell short on a surface that offered seam movement early and grip for the spinners as the innings progressed.

Opting to bat first, India were jolted in the opening over when Megan Schutt trapped Pratika Rawal lbw, and the early pressure intensified with the dismissal of Shafali Verma soon after. Smriti Mandhana weathered a testing passage, surviving a few nervy moments before compiling a composed 58 to steady the innings.

However, Australia struck at crucial intervals. Ashleigh Gardner and Tahlia McGrath removed set batters just as partnerships began to flourish, while leg-spinner Alana King applied the squeeze through the middle overs with her control and bounce. Captain Harmanpreet Kaur battled for 33 but struggled to accelerate, and though Richa Ghosh and later Kashvee Gautam attempted to rebuild, regular wickets ensured India never truly broke free. A brief lower-order resistance pushed the total past 200, but it was widely considered under par.

In reply, Healy and Phoebe Litchfield laid a confident foundation. The pair added 55 runs for the opening wicket, countering India's new-ball threat with positive strokeplay. Healy was particularly assured, driving elegantly and rotating strike effectively on her way to a 69-ball 50.

India clawed back briefly when left-arm spinner Shree Charani struck twice in quick succession, dismissing Litchfield and Georgia Voll to inject some uncertainty into the chase. But Australia's depth came to the fore. Mooney joined Healy to stabilise proceedings, and the duo compiled a steady partnership that effectively shut the door on India's hopes.

Mooney anchored the innings with a polished 76, showcasing her trademark composure and placement. Even after Healy fell attempting to accelerate and Mooney was eventually dismissed with the finish line in sight, Australia remained firmly in control. Annabel Sutherland ensured there were no late hiccups, finishing unbeaten on 42 and sealing the victory with a towering six over midwicket.

Brief Scores: India 214/10 in 48.3 overs (Smriti Mandhana 58, Harmanpreet Kaur 53; Ashleigh Gardner 3-33, Megan Schutt 2-42) lost to Australia (Beth Mooney 76, Alyssa Healy 50, Annabel Sutherland 48*; Shree Charani 2-41) by six wickets.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
Beth Mooney is just a class apart. Her innings was a masterclass in chasing. We missed a trick by not having a specialist sixth bowler. When Shree Charani took those two wickets, we needed someone to build pressure from the other end. The team selection needs a look before the next match.
A
Aman W
Positives: Smriti's fifty was crucial, and Shree Charani bowled well. But the middle order collapse is a recurring nightmare. Richa Ghosh and Deepti Sharma need to play bigger roles. It's just one match, the series is still alive! Let's bounce back in the next game. 💪
S
Sarah B
As a neutral fan living in India, it was a very professional performance from Australia. Their batting depth is incredible – even after Healy and Mooney got out, Sutherland just finished it calmly. India's women are brilliant but need to find that consistency against the very best.
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Karthik V
The lack of partnerships hurt us badly. We kept losing wickets just when a partnership was building. Harmanpreet's strike rate was a concern today. In modern ODI cricket, a captain has to lead from the front and accelerate in the middle overs. Hope they analyze this properly.
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Nisha Z
Feeling proud of the fight shown by the bowlers, especially with such a low total. Charani was impressive! The batting let us down, but this is a young team learning. We have the talent to beat Australia. Let's get behind them for the next match! 🏏

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