In a riveting encounter, India Women fell short by a mere three runs against Australia Women in the second ODI at the Wankhede Stadium, ultimately losing the three-match series 2-0 on Saturday.
Despite off-spinner Deepti Sharma's remarkable five-wicket haul (5-38), India Women faced setbacks due to dropped catches and impressive fifties by Australia Women's opener Phoebe Litchfield (63) and Ellyse Perry (50). Australia Women posted a challenging total of 258/8 in 50 overs.
India's response saw a strong start by Smriti Mandhana, contributing a quick 38-ball 34. The highlight of the innings was Richa Ghosh's superb 96 off 117 balls, steering the team to 159/2 in partnership with Jemimah Rodrigues (44). However, the tide turned as Harmanpreet Kaur and Amanjot Kaur fell quickly to the bowling prowess of Annabel Sutherland and Georgia Wareham.
Despite needing 22 runs from 18 balls at one point, India stumbled as Sutherland and Ashleigh Gardner bowled two exceptional overs, conceding only three runs each and claiming one wicket apiece in the 48th and 49th overs.
In the final six balls, Deepti Sharma managed a boundary off the first ball but struggled to secure the necessary runs. Despite a valiant effort by Shreyanka Patil, India fell short by three runs, concluding the match at 255/8 in 50 overs. Deepti Sharma ended unbeaten at 24 off 30 balls, while debutante Shreyanka Patil remained not out on five off 2 balls.
Deepti Sharma's brilliant bowling display earlier in the match had helped India restrict Australia to 258/8. However, dropped catches proved costly as Australia's Litchfield and Perry crafted significant partnerships, pushing the score beyond 200 in 42.6 overs.
Despite the valiant efforts of Richa Ghosh and Deepti Sharma, India Women couldn't overcome the challenge posed by Australia Women, leaving them with a narrow defeat of three runs.
(With Agency Inputs)
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