India, having dominated Australia in the one-off Test series, couldn't maintain their momentum in the women's ODI matches, succumbing to Alyssa Healy's team. The series slipped from India's grasp as they suffered a second consecutive defeat, sealing Australia's victory in a nail-biting match in Mumbai by a mere 3 runs. Despite setting a formidable total of 258/8, Australia capitalized on a late surge in their bowling innings to secure the series win.
The Wankhede Stadium witnessed India's stumble in the second innings, failing to maintain their promising position. Starting strongly at 215/3 (44th over) while chasing 259 runs, India's batting lineup faltered, finishing at 255/8 in 50 overs. The final overs saw India lose four crucial wickets for a mere 25 runs, marking a disappointing performance on the field.
India began their chase robustly but faced setbacks with the dismissal of Yastika Bhatia in the 7th over. Smriti Mandhana (34), Richa Ghosh (96), and Jemimah Rodrigues (44) provided stability, maintaining a steady run rate of 6 RPO during the middle overs.
Wicketkeeper-batter Richa Ghosh exhibited remarkable resilience in Mumbai on December 30. Despite grappling with cramps and knee issues, Ghosh played a stunning knock of 96 runs, steering India closer to the target. As wickets tumbled around her, Ghosh adeptly manoeuvred the field, finding gaps with precision, amassing 13 boundaries in a composed inning. Her aspirations for a century were thwarted by a lofted drive to the cover region, putting India under pressure as the remaining batters struggled to find rhythm against the Australian bowlers on a sluggish pitch.
The first innings saw Deepti Sharma's stellar performance, clinching a five-wicket haul. Deepti scripted history by becoming the first Indian bowler to secure a fifer against the Australian side in Women's ODIs. With impressive figures of 10-0-38-5, she surpassed the record set by Nooshin Al Khadeer in 2006. Deepti's breakthroughs, including the crucial dismissals of Ellyse Perry and Beth Mooney, orchestrated India's resurgence after Australia's formidable start. Her last three wickets in the final 10 overs, dismantling Tahlia McGrath, Georgia Wareham, and Annabel Sutherland, further tilted the game in India's favour.
Despite India's missed opportunities in the field, dropping seven catches, Annabel Sutherland's pivotal contributions bolstered Australia's cause. Her three crucial wickets in the closing stages, dismissing Richa Ghosh, Amanjot Kaur, and Pooja Vastrakar, swung the match in Australia's favour. Sutherland's strategic prowess and ability to surprise the batters, particularly her containment of Deepti Sharma, tilted the scales in Australia's favour, earning her the Player of the Match accolade for her stellar bowling performance.
