Summary
Cricket fans witnessed one of the most breathtaking spectacles in women’s cricket as Australia seal run-fest and series after epic Mandhana ton in the ODI decider at Delhi. It was a day filled with boundaries, milestones, and drama as nearly 800 runs were scored at a breakneck pace, with both teams going all out just ten days before the Women’s World Cup 2025.
Australia Dominate with Record-Breaking 412
Opting to bat first, Australian captain Alyssa Healy set the tone early by attacking India’s new-ball bowlers. Although she was dismissed by Kranti Goud for the third time in three games, the platform was already laid for an unforgettable batting display. Georgia Voll, dropped multiple times, capitalized fully to score a fluent 81. Ellyse Perry added her trademark stability with a classy 68, while the star of the show, Beth Mooney, produced the second-fastest ODI century in women’s cricket history, blasting her hundred in just 57 balls.
Australia piled up a mammoth 412 runs in 47.5 overs, equalling their highest total in the format. Mooney’s 138 was the anchor of the innings, supported by Perry and Gardner in fiery partnerships that kept the scoreboard ticking. Despite a late collapse of 6 for 34, the defending world champions sent a strong message ahead of the World Cup.
Mandhana’s Blitzkrieg Response Ignites Hope
Chasing 413, India came out with fearless intent. Vice-captain Smriti Mandhana delivered the innings of her career, hammering her century in just 50 balls — her fastest and now the second-fastest in women’s ODIs. She combined aggression with elegance, smashing Megan Schutt for consecutive boundaries and taking on Ashleigh Gardner and Kim Garth with audacious stroke play.
Mandhana’s dazzling 125 included a 121-run partnership with skipper Harmanpreet Kaur, who herself registered a blistering 52 off 32 balls. At 204 for 2 in just 20 overs, India seemed on track to script history with the highest-ever chase in women’s ODIs. However, a knee injury break to Harmanpreet halted momentum, and wickets tumbled in quick succession.
Deepti Sharma Keeps the Fight Alive
Even after Mandhana and Harmanpreet’s departure, India didn’t throw in the towel. Deepti Sharma rose to the occasion with a career-best counter-attacking 72 off 58 balls, striking at a phenomenal rate of 124.13. Batting at No. 5 in the absence of Jemimah Rodrigues, she stitched a fighting 65-run stand with Sneh Rana for the eighth wicket. At one stage, India required just 59 off 46 balls, but Deepti’s dismissal at deep midwicket ended hopes of a miraculous chase.
India eventually finished with 369 all out, their highest-ever total in a chase, falling short by 43 runs.
Fielding Woes Haunt India Again
While India’s batting was courageous, their fielding left much to be desired. Costly lapses saw them grass three catches, with Georgia Voll alone being dropped twice by Radha Yadav. According to ESPNcricinfo logs, India conceded an additional 26 runs through misfields in just 11 balls. These lapses, coupled with the inability to sustain pressure, proved decisive in a high-scoring thriller.
Key Takeaways Before the Women’s World Cup 2025
This match highlighted both promise and pitfalls for India. On the positive side, Mandhana’s explosive batting, Harmanpreet’s leadership, and Deepti’s resilience are massive boosts before the World Cup. However, India’s inconsistent fielding remains a concern.
For Australia, the victory further strengthens their aura as defending champions. Their ability to post massive totals under pressure, coupled with disciplined bowling in crunch moments, keeps them favourites for the upcoming global tournament.
Conclusion
The Delhi ODI decider was not just a match but a celebration of women’s cricket at its finest. With Australia sealing the series after Mandhana’s epic ton, both teams now shift focus to the Women’s World Cup 2025. If this run-fest was a teaser, fans are in for a blockbuster tournament ahead.
Note: All information and images used in this content are sourced from Google. They are used here for informational and illustrative purposes only.
FAQs on Australia’s Win Over India in Delhi ODI Decider
Q1: Who won the India vs Australia women’s ODI series in Delhi 2025?
Australia won the three-match ODI series 2-1 after defeating India by 43 runs in the series decider at Delhi.
Q2: What was the final score of the match?
Australia scored 412 runs in 47.5 overs, while India replied with 369 runs, falling short by 43 runs.
Q3: Who were the top scorers for Australia?
Beth Mooney smashed 138 off 83 balls, Georgia Voll made 81, and Ellyse Perry scored 68 to power Australia to a massive total.
Q4: What was special about Beth Mooney’s innings?
Beth Mooney hit her century in just 57 balls, making it the second-fastest hundred in women’s ODI history at the time.
Q5: How did Smriti Mandhana perform in the match?
Smriti Mandhana scored a stunning 125 off just 75 balls, reaching her century in 50 deliveries — the fastest by an Indian woman in ODIs and the second-fastest overall.
Q6: Did any other Indian batters contribute significantly?
Yes, Harmanpreet Kaur scored a quick 52 off 32 balls, while Deepti Sharma kept India’s hopes alive with a counter-attacking 72 off 58 deliveries.
Q7: What went wrong for India despite the strong batting?
India’s fielding errors cost them dearly. They dropped three catches and misfielded several times, conceding extra runs. Additionally, a mid-innings collapse after Mandhana and Harmanpreet’s dismissals shifted momentum back to Australia.
Q8: Was this India’s highest total while chasing in women’s ODIs?
Yes, India’s 369 is the highest-ever total in a run chase in women’s ODIs, though it was not enough to win.
Q9: How does this result impact India ahead of the Women’s World Cup 2025?
While the defeat exposed fielding weaknesses, India can take confidence from Mandhana’s explosive form, Harmanpreet’s consistency, and Deepti’s resilience. These positives are crucial ahead of the Women’s World Cup starting in ten days.
Q10: What record did Australia protect with this win?
Australia maintained their proud record of never losing a bilateral ODI series in India.