Australia Women showcased an exceptional performance on Tuesday, posting their highest total of 338/7 against India Women in the third ODI match at the iconic Wankhede Stadium. The foundation for this formidable score was laid by the outstanding opening partnership of 189 runs between Phoebe Litchfield and skipper Alyssa Healy.
In a display of left-handed elegance, Litchfield's stylish innings of 119 off 125 balls added a touch of class to the game. Her impeccable footwork and precision allowed her to amass 16 fours and a six, marking her second ODI hundred. The Healy-Litchfield duo dictated terms for 29 overs, maintaining a run-rate of around six, with Australia eyeing a total of 350 at one stage.
Alyssa Healy, taking on the captaincy from Meg Lanning, made a positive impact with her first half-century as a full-time captain, scoring 82. Not only did this innings revive her batting form after a lean 2023, but it also secured her name in history as the highest individual scorer for a wicketkeeper-captain in women's ODIs.
This 189-run partnership between Healy and Litchfield etched their names in history, surpassing the previous record held by South African women Lizelle Lee and Laura Wolvardt. The dynamic duo targeted debutant left-arm spinner Mannat Kashyap, denting her confidence early on and putting Australia in a commanding position.
However, the Indian bowling attack, led by Shreyanka Patil, made a spirited comeback, claiming key wickets. Patil showcased variations in pace and tight lines, finishing with figures of 3 for 57. From an imposing 189 for no loss, Australia faced a setback, stumbling to 223 for 4, highlighting the resilience of the Indian bowlers.
Despite this, Australia managed to surpass the 300-run mark in the death overs, thanks to impactful cameos from Ashleigh Gardner, Georgia Wareham, and Alana King. King, in particular, punished Vastrakar with two sixes and a four in the final over, finishing unbeaten on 26 off 14.
However, India's fielding struggles persisted, with two more dropped catches adding to the tally of ten in this series.
Brief scores:
Australia Women 338/7 in 50 overs (Phoebe Litchfield 119, Alyssa Healy 82, Ashleigh Gardner 30; Shreyanka Patil 3-57, Amanjot Kaur 2-70) against India Women.
(With Agency Inputs)
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