India women’s cricket team succumbed to a 5- wicket loss against Australia Women as the latter took a 2-0 lead in the series. Georgia Voll’s century defied the visitors a win despite a valiant show from the bowlers. Apart from the batters, Kashvee Gautam and Deepti Sharma were instrumental in dismantling the Australian batting order by clinching two wickets each, but couldn’t get the team across the line.
India Women suffer 2nd consecutive loss
India Women, who are the defending ODI World Cup champions, failed to defend the 252-run target. Powered by Voll’s 101-run knock off 82 deliveries, which included 13 fours and 1 six, Australia managed to chase down the target in 36.1 overs. The partnership between Phoebe Litchfield (80 runs off 62 balls) and Voll, which was valued at 119 runs, proved to be a difference maker as Australia stomped their authority on India. A 31-run knock from Beth Mooney coupled with finishing touches by Annabel Sutherland sealed the deal for the hosts.
Meanwhile, the visitors managed to get off to a good start, with Pratika Rawal scoring a fine half-century while Smriti Mandhana managed to score 31 runs. While Jemimah Rodrigues failed after scoring just 11 runs, skipper Harmanpreet Kaur led from the front with her 54-run knock. However, after striking a blow to her own helmet, the batter was dismissed by Megan Schutt, thanks to a catch by Litchefield.
Eventually, India Women finished at 251/9 at the end of 50 overs. In response, Australia Women chased down he target within 37 overs. All six bowlers used by India were quite expensive, with just Gautam, Gaud and Sharma tasting success.
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