Getting off to a dominant start, Australia outplayed India in the first of three ODIs on Tuesday in Brisbane, securing a six-wicket victory to go 1-0 up in the series. The home side chased down India’s total with 70 balls to spare following a magnificent performance from the openers and the middle-order batters.
India, winning the toss and electing to bat, got solid starts from senior batters. Smriti Mandhana and Harmanpreet Kaur both fired half-centuries as they worked to build partnerships through the middle overs. Mandhana’s composed 58 and Kaur’s gritty knock of 53 helped India post 214 before being bowled out in 48.3 overs. Down the order, a massive cameo from Kashvee Gautam, blazing 43, provided some momentum near the end; however, Australia’s bowling attack remained disciplined to keep India under the pump.
Ashleigh Gardner was the pick of the bowlers for Australia, nabbing three key wickets while giving away 33 runs from her seven overs. Megan Schutt took two wickets, while Darcie Brown, Alana King, Tahlia McGrath and Sophie Molineux claimed one wicket each.
Chasing the target, Australia had a remarkable start, with veteran opener Alyssa Healy offering a brisk start with a crucial 50 off 70 balls. Healy, who is playing her final ODI series, forged a 55-run opening partnership with Phoebe Litchfield to set the tone for Australia's chase. But it was Beth Mooney who anchored the innings with a classy 76-run knock. Mooney, along with support from Annabel Sutherland, who scored 48 unbeaten, helped Australia reach 217/4 in 38.2 overs.