As preparations intensify for the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025, India equalized the ODI series against Australia with a commanding performance.
India secured a victory in the three-match ODI series against Australia, achieving a stylish 102-run win in the second ODI. With notable contributions from centurion Smriti Mandhana and pacer Kranti Gaud, who achieved a crucial three-wicket haul, this victory marked India’s first win in ODIs against Australia on home soil since 2007.
This success against the reigning champions positions the hosts favourably just days ahead of the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025, which will take place in India and Sri Lanka. An enthusiastic skipper, Harmanpreet Kaur, expressed, “We are pleased that we played good cricket – that was the focus of our last team meeting, to adhere to our strategies and consistently execute them.”
The defeat also represented Australia’s largest loss in Women’s ODIs by runs, surpassing a 52-year-old record when England triumphed over them by 92 runs at the 1973 Women’s Cricket World Cup. India’s opener, Smriti Mandhana, was awarded the Player of the Match for her impressive 117 runs off 91 balls, which included 14 fours and four sixes.
Reflecting on her innings, Mandhana acknowledged her commitment to an aggressive batting style, an approach she intends to maintain during the Cricket World Cup, which commences on September 30. “You are aware of the Australian team, and you need to score 280-290 runs (against them) to provide our bowlers with that additional buffer.
“The pitch is quite flat, so I had to adopt an aggressive stance. Throughout the World Cup, there will not be a single match where I will not be aggressive, but it will depend on the conditions.” In the meantime, Kranti Gaud emerged as the standout bowler for India, securing three wickets while conceding 28 runs. This performance contributes to an already impressive run for Gaud, who made her ODI debut earlier this year.
The fast bowler has acknowledged the support of India’s head coach, Amol Muzumdar, during the initial phases of her ODI career. “I don’t overthink things. I prefer to keep it straightforward. Sir [Amol Muzumdar] encourages me to bowl to my strengths, and that is what I strive to do. I believe that if I accomplish this, it becomes challenging for the batter to face me,” Gaud stated to the media.
As the Women’s Cricket World Cup approaches, Gaud is concentrating on the highly anticipated third ODI against Australia, with the series title at stake. “We have just secured victory in today’s match; however, the final game of the series remains, and that will be our primary focus. The World Cup is still a considerable distance away, and I intend to concentrate solely on the upcoming match.”
India and Australia are set to compete in the series decider on September 20 in Delhi.