India Women Aim for Series Victory Against Australia After Record-Breaking Win Alternatively: India Women Eye Historic Series Win vs. Australia After Stunning ODI Performance

For decades, India have had little to celebrate against Australia in Women’s ODIs. In 47 years of encounters, the Aussies have asserted their dominance, winning 47 of 58 matches, leaving India with just 11 victories. Even in bilateral series, Australia have been unrelenting, triumphing in all 10 since 1984.

Yet, cricket has a way of rewriting history, and India now find themselves on the cusp of a breakthrough. On Saturday, September 20, the Arun Jaitley Stadium in New Delhi will host a clash that could redefine this rivalry, a chance for India to finally claim a bilateral series win against their formidable opponents.

Confidence, as they say, is earned, and India have just done that in style. Their 102-run victory in the second game of the ongoing series at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium in Mullanpur, New Chandigarh, was nothing short of historic.

India bounce back resiliently

Not only did India hand Australia a heavy defeat, but they also etched their name in the record books as the first team to beat Australia by 100 or more runs in Women’s ODIs, surpassing a 52-year-old record set by Rachael Heyhoe-Flint’s England.

The story becomes even richer when viewed against the backdrop of India’s earlier eight-wicket loss at the same venue, where Australia’s Georgia Voll, Beth Mooney, and Annabel Sutherland had shone. From the depths of defeat to the heights of record-breaking triumph, India have showcased resilience, skill, and a hunger that could take them far.

As the next match approaches, the excitement is palpable. This is more than a game; it is a statement—a chance to rewrite the narrative, bolster confidence, and step boldly into the Women’s World Cup with the belief that India can stand tall against the very best.

Mandhana in need for support

In the series so far, Smriti Mandhana has been nothing short of spectacular for India. She leads the batting charts with 175 runs from just two games, averaging 87.50 with a strike rate of 113.63. Her brilliance includes India’s second-fastest Women’s ODI hundred, scored off just 77 balls.

The left-handed batter has also broken Deepti Sharma’s eight-year-old record for the most runs by an Indian woman in ODIs in a calendar year. Mandhana is at the peak of her powers without a shred of a doubt.

Yet, beyond her heroics, the Indian batting lineup has struggled to impose itself on the Australian bowlers. Harleen Deol and Pratika Rawal have provided glimpses of resistance with fifties, but consistency has been missing. In both games, India began strongly, hinting at scores over 300, only to lose wickets at regular intervals and stall momentum.

While Mandhana’s runs are a healthy sign for India, cricket is a team game—and there will inevitably be days when she doesn’t fire. On those occasions, India will face a stern test. For the team to clinch the series, Mandhana’s brilliance must be complemented by steady contributions from the rest of the batting unit.

When to watch the India Women vs Australia Women live?

The third ODI between India Women and Australia Women can be watched from 1:30 pm local time, and 8:00 am GMT.

Where to watch the India Women vs Australia Women live?

Star Sports Network has the broadcasting rights for the third ODI between India Women and Australia Women. Live Streaming of the game will be available on the JioHotstar app and website.