Introduction
In a spectacular turn of events, Australia clinched a series-sweeping 190-run victory against India in the third ODI of the Australia Women’s Tour of India, 2023–24, held at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai. The highlight of the match was the phenomenal comeback of the young Australian opener, Phoebe Litchfield, who not only redeemed herself after a challenging start but also played a pivotal role in Australia’s triumph.
Litchfield’s Resilience and Record-Breaking Performance
Nightmarish Start to the Tour
Phoebe Litchfield’s tour began on a nightmarish note when she was run out without facing a ball in the first innings of the one-off Test. The adversity continued in the second innings as she got bowled for 18 attempting an ill-advised reverse sweep in only her second Test appearance. However, this marked the beginning of an extraordinary comeback.
Outstanding Batting Display
Litchfield’s resurgence was nothing short of extraordinary. She not only top-scored for Australia in the first two ODIs but also slammed her second century in the format during the third ODI at Wankhede Stadium. Her innings of 119 was crucial in Australia posting an imposing total of 338/7, the highest-ever conceded by India in women’s ODI cricket.
The Impact on India
India, opting to bat first, faced a formidable challenge as Litchfield, in partnership with skipper Alyssa Healy, laid the foundation with a 189-run opening stand. The Indian bowlers struggled, and Smriti Mandhana’s 29 was the highest score as they were eventually bowled out for 148 in 32.4 overs, succumbing to their 10th straight ODI defeat at home against the Aussies.
Key Moments and Turning Points
Litchfield’s Stroke of Luck
In the second ODI, Litchfield experienced a stroke of luck as India’s fielders dropped her thrice, allowing her to accumulate 63 runs. Despite the fortune, her confidence soared, evident in her authoritative batting in the third game. The left-hander, recently picked by Gujarat Giants for ₹1 crore in the Women’s Premier League auction, batted for over three hours, hitting 16 fours and a six.
Healy’s Return to Form
Alyssa Healy, after registering scores of 0 and 18 in the first two ODIs, returned to form in the third game. Though not at her fluent best, Healy fought through to register her 16th ODI half-century, providing crucial support to Litchfield’s dominating performance.
India’s Bowlers Fight Back
Despite the onslaught, India managed to pull things back between overs 29 and 47, picking seven wickets for 117 runs. Young off-spinner Shreyanka Patil stood out, dismissing key players like Beth Mooney, Tahlia McGrath, and Ash Gardner to finish with figures of 3/57.
Australia’s Momentum Heading into the T20I Series
As the partnership between Litchfield and Healy progressed, Australia looked set for a much bigger total. However, India’s bowlers, especially Shreyanka Patil, staged a comeback. Still, Australia capitalized on fireworks by Alana King (26* off 14) to regain momentum heading into the break.
India’s Disappointing Batting Performance
Brisk Start Followed by Collapse
India started the chase with a brisk 32 for no loss, thanks to Mandhana’s classy strokeplay. However, the promising start turned into a collapse, losing all 10 wickets for just 116 runs. Richa Ghosh (19), Jemimah Rodrigues (25), and Deepti Sharma (25*) got starts but couldn’t carry on.
Harmanpreet’s Struggles
Captain Harmanpreet Kaur, facing a slump in form, was dismissed for just 3, playing a premeditated sweep shot. Her early dismissal marked a continued struggle, having scored a mere 92 runs, including five single-digit scores, in her last seven one-day innings.
Litchfield Shines in the Field
Phoebe Litchfield’s brilliance wasn’t confined to her batting; she also stole the show in the field with a sensational one-handed catch to dismiss Amanjot Kaur. Leg-spinner Georgia Wareham, with figures of 3/23, emerged as the pick of the bowlers for Australia.
Conclusion
Australia’s comprehensive victory and Phoebe Litchfield’s remarkable comeback make this series a significant milestone in women’s cricket. The exceptional performance by the Australian team, coupled with individual brilliance, sets the stage for an exciting three-match T20I series, where both teams will look to build on their strengths and address their weaknesses. As we wrap up this memorable ODI series, cricket enthusiasts eagerly await the next chapter in this thrilling contest between India and Australia.
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