Megan Schutt strikes early on surprise return; Ashleigh Gardner claims three wickets as Australia restrict India at Allan Border Field

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India were bowled out for 214 in the opening ODI of the multi-format series against Australia, despite gritty half-centuries from Smriti Mandhana and Harmanpreet Kaur. On a seaming surface at Allan Border Field, Australia’s disciplined bowling attack, led by Megan Schutt and Ashleigh Gardner, ensured the visitors were kept within reach in a crucial contest.

Early Blows from Megan Schutt Rock India

Returning unexpectedly to the XI, Schutt set the tone with a probing new-ball spell. She removed Pratika Rawal early with a sharp inswinger and finished with 2 for 42 from nine overs. Rawal, making a comeback from knee and ankle injuries, endured a disappointing return, while Shafali Verma, promoted to No. 3, also fell cheaply.

Australia’s pace unit, including Darcie Brown, capitalised on the overcast and humid conditions. Brown produced a sharp return catch to dismiss Verma, leaving India struggling at 52 for 3. Jemimah Rodrigues soon followed, edging Gardner to wicketkeeper Beth Mooney, compounding India’s early troubles.

Mandhana, Harmanpreet Rebuild the Innings

Under pressure, Mandhana steadied the innings with a composed 58 off 68 balls. After surviving a few nervy moments against the moving ball, she found her rhythm with elegant cover drives. Partnering with Harmanpreet, she stitched together a crucial 48-run stand to revive India’s hopes.

Mandhana, eyeing her 15th ODI century, was undone by a slower delivery from Tahlia McGrath, miscuing to fine leg. Harmanpreet then anchored the innings with a patient 53 off 84 balls, rescuing India from 103 for 5.

Gardner, Spinners Apply the Squeeze

Gardner proved instrumental in the middle overs, finishing with impressive figures of 3 for 33 from seven overs. She was well supported by legspinner Alana King and left-arm spinner Sophie Molineux, who kept India’s scoring in check. Deepti Sharma and Richa Ghosh struggled to accelerate, with Ghosh managing just 23 off 38 balls.

Kashvee Gautam’s Late Flourish Lifts India

Youngster Kashvee Gautam justified her selection after a strong Women’s Premier League campaign with a brisk 43 off 44 balls. She shared a valuable 53-run seventh-wicket partnership with Harmanpreet and struck three sixes — the only maximums of India’s innings.

Harmanpreet’s fighting knock ended when she was brilliantly caught by Georgia Voll at deep midwicket. Despite a challenging start, India managed to post a competitive 214 before being bowled out in the 49th over.

Australia’s Balanced Attack Holds Firm

Australia, despite missing key players like Ellyse Perry and Kim Garth due to quad injuries, displayed depth and balance. Captain Alyssa Healy marshalled her resources effectively, with seven bowlers used to maintain relentless pressure.

With India setting a target of 215, the stage was set for a competitive chase in the series opener, as both sides look to gain crucial points in the multi-format contest.