Smriti Mandhana’s record-breaking ton goes in vain as India succumb to Australia in thrilling chase

Delhi witnessed one of the finest encounters in women’s cricketing history as 781 runs were scored yesterday between India and Australia in the 3rd and final ODI. The finest clashed with utmost conviction and channeled their inner beasts as runs deluged in the series decider.

Winning the toss, Australia opted to bat first. India felt the sting from ball one itself as Georgia Voll pressed on the accelerator early. Alyssa Healy (30) provided the initial fireworks, setting up the stage for the remainder of the game. Kranti Goud provided India with the first breakthrough as she got the better of Healy.

An incoming Ellyse Perry continued in the same vein of form, peppering the Indian bowlers to the fence at will. A 107-run stand for the second wicket between Perry (68) and Voll (81) looked to take the game away until Sneh Rana removed the Aussie opener.

Much to India’s shock, they hardly had any reprieve as Australia kept on coming. Beth Mooney arrived in the center and started knocking the ball mercilessly. Pez and Mooney added another 106 runs for the third wicket as the Indian bowlers hardly stood a chance. Arundhati Reddy finally rattled the stand as she claimed Pez.

Despite the fall of Perry, Australia had no intentions of slowing down. They continued with a full-blown assault as Mooney led the charge while Ashleigh Gardner brough the fireworks too. By the time, India could get Mooney out, she had already garnered 138 runs from 75 balls, whacking 23 fours and a six. A late rally from Deepti Sharma and Renuka Singh saw India make a few inroads as Australia were bowled out for a massive 412.

India had enough firepower to rock and roll as Smriti Mandhana challenged from the word go. Despite the early departures of Pratika Rawal (10) and Harleen Deol (11), Mandhana’s blitzkrieg left the Aussies stunned. She spearheaded the Indian battery with pomp and vigour, striking the bowlers down at will, putting up India's fastest ODI hundred and the second quickest century in WODI history.

Harmanpreet Kaur came up with crucial support at the other end as India staged a strong fightback for the third wicket. Mandhana (125) and Kaur (52) left the Aussies scouring for retreat desperately. Much to India’s shock, they lost Mandhana, Kaur and Richa Ghosh (6) in quick succession, thereby neutralizing the edge that they had.

Just when Australia felt that they had the upper hand, Deepti Sharma came up with a very special surprise. Sharma stood like a rock, hammering 72 off just 58 balls as she clubbed five fours and two sixes to seal her masterclass. With the overs running out, Deepti knew that she had to go big and that eventually proved to be her unravelling.

With Deepti gone, India’s hopes were extinguished too and at the end of it all, India was bundled out for 369 runs from 47 overs. Beth Mooney won the Player of the Match award while Smriti Mandhana secured the Player of the Series award for her scintillating performances throughout the series.