Sutherland, Gardner powers Aus W to 3-0 ODI series win vs India as Mandhana 100 goes in vain

 

India's women’s cricket team, led by Harmanpreet Kaur, suffered a heavy defeat in the third ODI against Australia. Batting first, Tahlia McGrath’s team posted an imposing total of 298/6. In reply, India’s innings was wrapped up for 215 in 45.1 overs, resulting in an 83-run loss on Wednesday. With this defeat, India lost the three-match ODI series 0-3, despite Smriti Mandhana’s brilliant century and Arundhati Reddy’s four-wicket haul.

While Jasprit Bumrah’s men’s team had secured a commanding 295-run victory at the new Optus Stadium in Perth earlier, Harmanpreet’s team failed to achieve success at the historic WACA ground. Australia had already clinched the series after winning the first two matches, making the third ODI a battle for pride for the Indian women. However, the outcome remained unchanged.

After winning the toss, Harmanpreet opted to field first. Despite putting Australia under pressure early, the decision did not pay off. Annabel Sutherland played a match-winning knock of 110 runs off 95 balls, featuring 9 fours and 4 sixes, to propel Australia to a strong total. Batting at number five, she forged crucial partnerships—96 runs with Ashleigh Gardner (50 off 64 balls) for the fifth wicket and 122 runs with captain Tahlia McGrath (56* off 50 balls) for the sixth wicket. Earlier, Australia had struggled at 78/4 in 16.1 overs after openers Phoebe Litchfield (25) and Georgia Voll (26) provided a steady start. For India, Arundhati Reddy was the pick of the bowlers, claiming 4 wickets for 26 runs, but the other bowlers failed to capitalize on the momentum.

Chasing 299, India never looked comfortable. Smriti Mandhana stood tall with a remarkable century, scoring 105 off 109 balls, including 14 dazzling  fours and a six. However, she received little support from the other batters. Mandhana, who became the first Indian woman cricketer to score four centuries in a calendar year, fought a lone battle as wickets fell regularly at the other end. Harleen Deol tried to steady the innings with a 39-run knock off 64 balls, but others faltered. Richa Ghosh (2) and captain Harmanpreet Kaur (12) failed to make an impact, while Jemimah Rodrigues managed just 16 runs. None of the other players reached double figures.

For Australia, Ashleigh Gardner was the star bowler, taking 5 wickets for 30 runs. Megan Schutt and Alana King chipped in with 2 wickets each, giving away 26 and 27 runs, respectively, to complete India’s downfall.