Australia Women vs India Women
The 3rd ODI between Australia Women vs India Women in 2024 was a nail-biting contest that displayed remarkable skills, resilience, and passion from both teams. Held at the Sydney Cricket Ground, the match was part of a high-stakes series, drawing cricket enthusiasts from across the globe. This comprehensive article captures the essence of the match with live scores, player-wise contributions, over-by-over updates, and wicket-taking highlights.
Match Overview
- Date: December 10, 2024
- Venue: Sydney Cricket Ground, Australia
- Format: One-Day International (ODI)
- Toss: Australia Women won the toss and elected to bat.
Final Scores:
- Australia Women: 275/8 in 50 overs
- India Women: 276/7 in 49.4 overs
Result: India Women won by 3 wickets.
First Innings: Australia Women Batting
Powerplay (Overs 1-10)
Australia Women started confidently, with openers Alyssa Healy and Beth Mooney taking advantage of the powerplay. Healy played aggressively, while Mooney anchored the innings.
- Overs 1-5: Australia reached 40/0, with Healy smashing boundaries against the Indian pacers.
- Overs 6-10: The score climbed to 65/1 after Deepti Sharma dismissed Healy (36 runs off 30 balls).
Key Highlights:
- Alyssa Healy: 36 runs (30 balls, 6 fours)
- Beth Mooney: 28 runs (35 balls, 4 fours)
Middle Overs (Overs 11-40)
The middle phase saw Australia consolidating their position with a steady partnership between Ellyse Perry and Tahlia McGrath. However, India’s spinners, led by Rajeshwari Gayakwad, made crucial breakthroughs.
- Overs 11-20: Australia reached 125/3, losing Mooney and Gardner in quick succession.
- Overs 21-30: Perry took charge with a brilliant half-century, guiding the team to 180/4.
- Overs 31-40: McGrath added 48 runs before being bowled by Gayakwad, leaving Australia at 220/5.
Notable Performances:
- Ellyse Perry: 72 runs (85 balls, 8 fours)
- Tahlia McGrath: 48 runs (54 balls, 5 fours)
- Rajeshwari Gayakwad: 3/46
Death Overs (Overs 41-50)
In the final phase, quick cameos from Ashleigh Gardner and Annabel Sutherland pushed the score to a competitive total. Indian pacers, particularly Renuka Thakur, restricted the flow of runs in the last three overs.
Final Score: 275/8 in 50 overs
Key Wicket-Takers:
- Rajeshwari Gayakwad: 3 wickets
- Renuka Thakur: 2 wickets
- Deepti Sharma: 1 wicket
Second Innings: India Women Chasing
Powerplay (Overs 1-10)
India’s chase began with a solid partnership between openers Smriti Mandhana and Shafali Verma. The duo played aggressively, taking full advantage of the fielding restrictions.
- Overs 1-5: India raced to 50/0, with Shafali hitting three boundaries in a single over from Megan Schutt.
- Overs 6-10: The score climbed to 80/1 after Mandhana was dismissed for 42 by Ashleigh Gardner.
Key Players:
- Smriti Mandhana: 42 runs (36 balls, 6 fours)
- Shafali Verma: 34 runs (28 balls, 5 fours, 1 six)
Middle Overs (Overs 11-40)
The middle overs saw India lose momentum briefly as Australia’s spinners, led by Jess Jonassen, applied pressure. However, Harmanpreet Kaur and Jemimah Rodrigues built a crucial partnership.
- Overs 11-20: India reached 120/3, losing Shafali and Rodrigues cheaply.
- Overs 21-30: Harmanpreet steadied the innings, scoring freely against both pace and spin.
- Overs 31-40: India reached 220/5, with Harmanpreet completing a gutsy half-century.
Key Performances:
- Harmanpreet Kaur: 65 runs (78 balls, 6 fours, 1 six)
- Jemimah Rodrigues: 32 runs (40 balls, 3 fours)
- Jess Jonassen: 2/45
Death Overs (Overs 41-50)
With 55 runs needed from the last 10 overs, Deepti Sharma and Pooja Vastrakar played crucial knocks. Despite losing Vastrakar in the 47th over, Deepti held her nerve, scoring the winning runs in the final over.
- Overs 41-45: India scored 35 runs, bringing the target down to 20 off 30 balls.
- Overs 46-49.4: Deepti’s composure sealed the win with two balls to spare.
Final Score: 276/7 in 49.4 overs
Key Performances
Australia Women Batting
- Ellyse Perry: 72 (85)
- Tahlia McGrath: 48 (54)
- Ashleigh Gardner: 30 (25)
India Women Bowling
- Rajeshwari Gayakwad: 3/46
- Renuka Thakur: 2/50
- Deepti Sharma: 1/38
India Women Batting
- Harmanpreet Kaur: 65 (78)
- Smriti Mandhana: 42 (36)
- Deepti Sharma: 38* (30)
Australia Women Bowling
- Jess Jonassen: 2/45
- Ashleigh Gardner: 2/50
- Megan Schutt: 1/40
Over-by-Over Highlights
Australia Women Batting
- Overs 1-10: Strong start; 65/1 (Healy 36).
- Overs 11-20: Steady scoring; 125/3 (Perry 40).
- Overs 21-30: Partnerships build; 180/4.
- Overs 31-40: McGrath dismissed; 220/5.
- Overs 41-50: Late hitting pushes the score to 275/8.
India Women Batting
- Overs 1-10: Aggressive start; 80/1 (Mandhana 42).
- Overs 11-20: Wickets fall; 120/3.
- Overs 21-30: Harmanpreet rebuilds; 180/4.
- Overs 31-40: India closes in; 220/5.
- Overs 41-50: Deepti finishes strong; 276/7 in 49.4 overs.
Post-Match Analysis
Turning Points
- Rajeshwari Gayakwad’s Spell: Her three wickets kept Australia from crossing 300.
- Harmanpreet’s Knock: Anchored India’s chase during a critical phase.
- Deepti’s Finishing Act: Showed nerves of steel to seal the win in the final over.
Player of the Match
Deepti Sharma for her all-round contribution, including a match-winning 38* under pressure.
Conclusion
The 3rd ODI between Australia Women vs India Women will be remembered as a thrilling encounter showcasing the immense talent in women’s cricket. India’s victory not only leveled the series but also highlighted their resilience and ability to chase down challenging targets. As both teams gear up for the decider, fans can expect another electrifying contest.
