India women are going through a challenging period after suffering a defeat in the first of the three-match ODI series against Australia on Sunday in Chandigarh. They now find themselves under huge pressure as they prepare to face Australia in the second ODI on Wednesday at Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium, Mullanpur, New Chandigarh. Heading into the series, India were quite confident amid home conditions, but their performance in the series opener has highlighted their weakness, as they couldn't match Australia's intensity.
Defending a total of 281, Indian bowling unit failed to find momentum, with Australian batters Phoebe Litchfield, Beth Mooney and Annabel Sutherland dominating the proceedings with their match-winning innings of (88), (77*) and (54*) respectively.
Deciding to bat after winning the toss, team India got off to a rollicking start but lacked the momentum later in the innings. Openers Pratika Rawal and Smriti Mandhana gave the side a superb start, hitting (64) and (58), respectively. Even the middle-order batter Harleen Deol slammed 54 to keep the momentum going; however, India's lower order couldn't muster the courage to counter Australian bowlers.
Now, the loss has placed India in a must-win situation to avoid the series defeat. A loss in the second ODI would hand Australia an unassailable 2-0 lead and clinch the series. Meanwhile, Australia, who looked composed and clinical, will look to seal the series. Their convincing victory in the opener would serve as a major boost in their confidence.
Head-to-head
Matches - 57
IND-W won - 10
AUS-W Won - 47
IND-W Probable XI: Pratika Rawal, Smriti Mandhana, Harleen Deol, Harmanpreet Kaur (c), Jemimah Rodrigues, Richa Ghosh (wk), Deepti Sharma, Sneh Rana, Radha Yadav, Shree Charani, Kranti Goud
AUS-W Probable XI: Alyssa Healy (c & wk), Phoebe Litchfield, Ellyse Perry, Beth Mooney, Annabel Sutherland, Ashleigh Gardner, Tahlia McGrath, Georgia Wareham, Alana King, Kim Garth, Megan Schutt