If you missed the latest chapter in the India women vs Australia women cricket rivalry, you missed a classic. It had everything: a record-breaking performance, a gritty fightback, and a finish that kept everyone on the edge of their seats. While the spotlight rightly fell on Australia’s Annabel Sutherland for her monumental effort, the heart of the match belonged to India’s never-say-die spirit, embodied by Sneh Rana.
This one-day match was more than just a game. It was a statement of intent from both sides, setting the stage for an incredibly competitive multi-format series.
A Mountain Built by Sutherland and Mooney
The Wankhede Stadium pitch promised runs, and the Australian batters delivered. After being put in to bat, the visitors found themselves in a spot of bother early on. But as great teams do, they weathered the storm.
Beth Mooney, the ever-reliable anchor, played a beautiful innings. She built partnerships around her, rotating the strike and punishing the bad balls. Her composure allowed what happened next to unfold.
Annabel Sutherland didn’t just play an innings; she made history. Coming in at number 8, the young all-rounder played with a maturity that belied her position. She launched a breathtaking assault, powering her way to a magnificent 137*, the highest-ever score by an Australian woman batting at No. 8 or lower. Her powerful hitting, combined with clean striking, took the game away from India in a blistering final few overs, propelling Australia to a formidable total of 338.
India’s Fightback: The Sneh Rana and Vastrakar Show
Chasing 339 against a world-class bowling attack like Australia’s was always going to be a Herculean task. India’s top order started brightly, but regular wickets, including the key dismissal of Harmanpreet Kaur, kept Australia in the driver’s seat.
Just when it seemed the match was slipping away, the lower order decided to fight. Deepti Sharma played a crucial hand, but it was the partnership between Sneh Rana and Pooja Vastrakar that truly ignited hope.
Sneh Rana, known for her fighting spirit, played one of the most memorable innings of her career. She wasn’t just defending; she was scoring, finding gaps, and keeping the required rate within sight. Alongside Vastrakar, she added a vital partnership that gave Indian fans belief and gave the Australian bowlers a serious scare.
Despite the loss, their grit ensured India walked off with their heads held high, having pushed the world champions to their absolute limit.
Where The Match Was Won and Lost
While Sutherland‘s century was the defining moment, the fine margins were crucial. Australia’s experience in closing out high-pressure games was evident. Bowlers like Megan Schutt used all her guile at the death, executing precise yorkers and variations to stem the flow of runs and take key wickets.
India will look back at a few dropped chances and perhaps some expensive bowling phases in the final ten overs. However, the biggest takeaway was the fight. To come so close against this Australian team is a testament to how much the Indian team has grown.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: Where can I watch the next India women vs Australia women match?
You can typically watch the matches live on the Sports18 channel and stream them on the JioCinema app and website in India. For international viewers, check your local broadcasters or the official streaming service FanCode.
Q2: What is the full schedule for the Australia women tour of India?
The tour usually includes Test matches, One-Day Internationals (ODIs), and Twenty20 Internationals (T20Is). For the most accurate and updated Ind vs Aus W schedule, always refer to the official BCCI website or the Cricket Australia website.
Q3: Who was the player of the match?
For this specific match, Annabel Sutherland was deservedly awarded the Player of the Match for her record-breaking unbeaten century of 137 runs.
Q4: How did Sneh Rana perform?
Sneh Rana was one of India’s standout performers. She played a brilliant, fighting knock with the bat, scoring a vital half-century under extreme pressure, and also bowled her full quota of overs economically.
The Final Word: A Series to Watch
This match was a perfect advertisement for women’s cricket. It had skill, drama, and incredible heart. For Australia, it reinforces their dominance, built on players like Sutherland and Mooney who can change a game in a session.
For India, the loss hurts, but the performance is a reason for optimism. The fight shown by players like Sneh Rana proves they are closing the gap. This isn’t just a team that can compete; it’s a team that believes it can win.
This series is alive and kicking. Make sure you tune in for the next one. You won’t want to miss it.
Catch the full India women’s national cricket team vs Australia women’s national cricket team match scorecard on ESPNcricinfo or the official ICC website.
