India Women vs Australia Women: A High-Stakes ODI Clash That Set the Stage for the World Cup
India Women vs Australia Women in the 1st ODI of the 2025 series was more than just a cricket match—it was a showcase of talent, grit, and preparation ahead of the ICC Women’s World Cup. Played on September 14th at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium in New Chandigarh, this match saw Australia Women chase down India’s competitive total of 281/7 with ease, winning by 8 wickets in just 44.1 overs. From Smriti Mandhana’s elegant half-century to Phoebe Litchfield’s match-winning 88, the game was packed with standout performances and strategic lessons.
The Setting: A New Stadium, A New Chapter
The match marked the international debut of the PCA Stadium in New Chandigarh—a venue that had previously hosted IPL matches but was now stepping into the limelight with women’s international cricket. Despite its 36,000-seat capacity, only around 6,000 fans turned up, a reminder of the work still needed to elevate women’s cricket viewership in India.
Yet, for those who came, the atmosphere was electric. Young fans cheered for their heroes, and the match unfolded under the scorching sun with plenty of drama and excitement.
India’s Innings: A Solid Start, But Missed Opportunities
India won the toss and chose to bat first. The opening pair—Pratika Rawal and Smriti Mandhana—gave a steady start, putting up a 114-run partnership. Mandhana’s 58 off 63 balls was a treat to watch, while Rawal’s 64 off 96 showed patience and control.
Harleen Deol added a fluent 54, and cameos from Richa Ghosh (25), Deepti Sharma (20*), and Radha Yadav (19) helped India reach 281/7 in 50 overs. However, dropped catches and a slow scoring rate in the first half of the innings meant India was about 20–30 runs short of a truly defendable total.
Australia’s Chase: Clinical, Confident, Commanding
Australia’s response was nothing short of dominant. Phoebe Litchfield, the young left-hander, led the charge with a brilliant 88 off 80 balls, earning her the Player of the Match award. She was supported by Beth Mooney (77) and Annabel Sutherland (54), who stitched together an unbroken 116-run partnership to seal the win.
India’s bowling lacked bite. The decision to go with four spinners and just one pacer backfired on a flat pitch. Dropped catches—four in total—added to the woes.
Captain’s Corner: Harmanpreet vs Healy
India’s captain Harmanpreet Kaur, playing her 150th ODI, admitted post-match that the team was short by 20–30 runs and failed to capitalize on key moments. Her opposite number, Alyssa Healy, praised her team’s adaptability and execution, especially under the heat and pressure of chasing.
Both captains showed leadership, but Healy’s squad looked more cohesive and battle-ready.
Key Takeaways: Lessons for India Before the World Cup
This series is India’s final preparation before the ICC Women’s World Cup 2025, which begins on September 30th. Here are some strategic insights from the match:
- Batting Depth: India’s top order showed promise, but the middle order needs more consistency.
- Bowling Balance: A better mix of pace and spin is crucial, especially on flat tracks.
- Fielding Focus: Dropped catches can change the course of a match—India must tighten up.
- Mental Toughness: Australia’s calm chase under pressure was a masterclass in temperament.
Star Performers: Who Stood Out
| Player | Team | Performance |
|---|---|---|
| Phoebe Litchfield | Australia | 88 off 80 balls (Player of the Match) |
| Beth Mooney | Australia | 77* off 74 balls |
| Annabel Sutherland | Australia | 54* off 51 balls |
| Pratika Rawal | India | 64 off 96 balls |
| Smriti Mandhana | India | 58 off 63 balls |
| Harleen Deol | India | 54 off 57 balls |
Fan Reactions: Passion, Pride & Disappointment
Despite the low turnout, fans who attended were vocal and passionate. Many expressed admiration for Smriti Mandhana and disappointment over Shafali Verma’s absence. Others praised Australia’s professionalism and skill, especially Ellyse Perry’s all-round presence—even though she retired hurt during the match.
The lack of entertainment elements like DJs and dancers, which are common in IPL matches, was noted. But the cricket itself delivered plenty of excitement.
What’s Next: Upcoming Matches & World Cup Prep
The second ODI will be played on September 17th in New Chandigarh, followed by the final match on September 20th in Delhi. Both teams will then head to Bengaluru for warm-up matches ahead of the World Cup.
India will face England and New Zealand, while Australia will play England. These matches will be crucial for finalizing team combinations and strategies.
Coach’s Insight: Amol Muzumdar’s Vision
India’s head coach Amol Muzumdar called this series a “trailblazer” for the World Cup. He emphasized the importance of collective effort and preparation, citing India’s successful tour of England earlier this year as a confidence booster.
The team has undergone camps in Bengaluru and Vizag, and despite injuries—like Yastika Bhatia’s knee issue—India remains optimistic about its chances.
Final Thoughts: A Wake-Up Call & A Window of Opportunity
India’s loss in the first ODI is not the end—it’s a beginning. A chance to regroup, reassess, and rise. Australia’s dominance is a reminder of the level India must reach, but the talent is there. With sharper fielding, smarter bowling, and more aggressive batting, India can bounce back.
This match was a mirror—reflecting strengths, exposing weaknesses, and offering a clear path forward.
