Daijiworld Media Network - Visakhapatnam
Visakhapatnam, Oct 12: Indian openers Smriti Mandhana and Pratika Rawal delivered a record-breaking performance, powering India to a massive 330 all out — the highest-ever total against Australia in Women’s World Cup history — at the Dr. Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy ACA-VDCA Cricket Stadium on Sunday.
Their 155-run opening stand set the tone for a dominant batting display, with Mandhana smashing a blistering 80 off 66 balls (9 fours, 3 sixes) and Rawal contributing a composed 75 off 96 balls (10 fours, 1 six). The partnership not only gave India a flying start but also became the highest opening stand against Australia in the tournament's history.
Milestone Moment for Mandhana
Mandhana made history by becoming the youngest and fastest player to reach 5,000 runs in Women’s ODIs, achieving the milestone in just 112 matches, surpassing West Indies' Stafanie Taylor (129 matches). She reached the landmark in style, launching a six off Kim Garth in the 21st over. The milestone comes as a strong reply to critics after a slow World Cup start, where she managed just 54 runs in her first three matches.
Solid Contributions and Missed Opportunity for 400
After a stunning start, India seemed poised for a 400+ total, but Annabel Sutherland's 5-wicket haul (5-40) halted the momentum. Australia clawed back in the death overs, restricting India to 330 in 48.5 overs, despite having leaked 192 runs in the first 30 overs.
Pratika Rawal, who reached her maiden World Cup fifty in 69 balls, played a vital anchoring role before falling to Sutherland. Middle-order contributions from Harleen Deol (38), Jemimah Rodrigues (33 off 21) and Richa Ghosh (32 off 22) kept the scoreboard ticking, but India couldn’t fully capitalise on the launchpad.
Australia Face Tough Chase'
Australia, who have dominated past World Cup campaigns, now face a record chase against a rejuvenated Indian side. Mandhana’s return to form, Rawal’s emergence, and India’s intent to bounce back after a loss to South Africa have made this clash one to watch.
Brief Scores:
India 330 all out in 48.5 overs
(Smriti Mandhana 80, Pratika Rawal 75, Jemimah Rodrigues 33, Richa Ghosh 32; Annabel Sutherland 5-40, Sophie Molineux 3-75)
Australia – Yet to bat
This match marks a turning point for India’s World Cup campaign, with momentum clearly shifting their way.