Win Projections to be updated soon
Chandigarh, 14 September 2025:
Half-centuries from Phoebe Litchfield, Beth Mooney and Annabel Sutherland powered Australia to an eight-wicket win over India in the first one-day international on Saturday.
Chasing 282, Australia reached 282-2 with 15 balls to spare after India had posted 281-7 on the back of fifties from Smriti Mandhana (58), Pratika Rawal (64) and Harleen Deol (54).
Litchfield was dropped on her first ball and made India pay with a fluent 88, mixing sweeps, reverse sweeps and switch hits to blunt the hosts’ spin-heavy attack. Mooney (77 not out) and Sutherland (54 not out) ensured there was no late stumble after Ellyse Perry retired hurt for 30 with a calf concern.
India’s fielding lapses proved costly. Four chances went down, including two off Litchfield and one of Mooney in the closing stages.
“It was really enjoyable to be out there,” said Litchfield, named player of the match. “I got a bit of luck early on, but we came in with a definite plan. Our bowlers did well to keep them to 280 on a good batting surface, and to chase it down with balls to spare is a really cool thing.”
Australia captain Alyssa Healy said she was proud of her side’s discipline under testing conditions.
“To lose the toss and bowl first in that heat, the way we hung in there was excellent,” Healy said. “Phoebe was outstanding, but everyone contributed. We never really took the foot off the throat, which was really cool.”
India’s openers gave the hosts a strong start, putting up a record 117-run stand for the first wicket against Australia. But a mix-up between Mandhana and Rawal triggered a slowdown, and Sutherland removed captain Harmanpreet Kaur (9) to dent the middle order. Deol’s counterattacking half-century gave India late momentum, but Megan Schutt’s two wickets ensured Australia kept them in check.
Harmanpreet admitted her side fell short.
“We were 20-30 runs short with the bat,” she said. “Our bowlers tried to create opportunities but unfortunately we couldn’t capitalize. They played really good cricket. Next game is very important and we want to stay positive.”
Australia leads the three-match series 1-0, with the second ODI scheduled for Tuesday.
Australia 282 for 2 (Litchfield 88, Mooney 77*, Sutherland 54*, Rana 1-51) beat India 281 for 7 (Rawal 64, Mandhana 58, Deol 54, Schutt 2-45) by eight wickets
