BRISBANE: India’s struggles with the bat were visible despite fifties from Harmanpreet Kaur and Smriti Mandhana when they took on Australia in the first ODI of the three-match series, as the Women in Blue were bowled out for 214 runs in 48.3 overs as the hosts’ bowling unit dominated the play at the Allan Border Field on Tuesday.
India began under challenging circumstances when Pratika Rawal fell lbw to Megan Schutt on the very first delivery of the match, before Shafali Verma followed soon after, dismissed off a sharp return catch from Darcie Brown. At 31/2 in the eighth over, India relied heavily on Mandhana to anchor the innings.
However, just when India seemed to be recovering, the tide turned. Ashleigh Gardner removed Jemimah Rodrigues, who walked back after scoring eight off 13 deliveries.
Mandhana rode her luck early with a few edges flying past the fielders but soon began to find her rhythm, playing some elegant drives through the covers and powerful pulls. She brought up a composed half-century off 61 balls, stabilising India's innings amidst the pressure from Australia’s disciplined seam attack.