Daijiworld Media Network - Mullanpur

Mullanpur, Sep 16: India will aim to level the three-match ODI series against Australia in the second game on Wednesday after a disappointing start. Despite posting a competitive 281, courtesy of half-centuries from Pratika Rawal, Smriti Mandhana, and Harleen Deol, the Indian side faltered in the field, dropping four crucial catches that allowed Australia to chase the total comfortably.

Captain Harmanpreet Kaur admitted that the team’s performance was “way below par” against a strong Australian side. The team will be hoping for improved fielding, sharper bowling, and a more resilient middle and lower-order batting effort in the upcoming match.

India’s spinners, including Sneh Rana, Deepti Sharma, Shree Charani, and Radha Yadav, struggled to make an impact in the opener, with only Rana taking a wicket. Australia, familiar with Indian conditions from the Women’s Premier League and previous tours, capitalised on this, with experienced players like Alyssa Healy, Beth Mooney, Phoebe Litchfield, Ellyse Perry, and Annabel Sutherland scoring heavily. Perry could miss the next game after retiring hurt on 30 in the first ODI.

The middle-order, featuring Jemimah Rodrigues, Richa Ghosh, and Deepti Sharma, will play a crucial role in building deeper innings if India hopes to post totals that can challenge the Australians. Rawal and Mandhana’s 114-run opening stand laid a solid foundation, but sustained contributions will be key against a world-class side gearing up for the Women’s World Cup later this month.

India will look to deliver a stronger performance across all departments to level the series and build momentum ahead of the World Cup.