Mandhana, Goud shine in India's record win over Australia
Gearing up for ICC Women's Cricket World Cup 2025, India levelled the ODI series against Australia with a clinical display.
India pulled one back in the three-match ODI series against Australia with a stylish 102-run victory in the second ODI.
Led by the efforts of the centurion Smriti Mandhana, and pacer Kranti Goud, who notched a vital three-wicket haul, the win marked India's first in ODIs against Australia at home since 2007.
The triumph against the defending champions puts the hosts in good stead days before ICC Women's Cricket World Cup 2025 in India and Sri Lanka.
An elated skipper Harmanpreet Kaur said, “We are happy that we played good cricket - that is what we discussed in the last team meeting, to stick to our plans and keep doing those things again and again."
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The loss also marked Australia's biggest-ever defeat in Women's ODIs by the margin of runs, breaking a 52-year-old record when England got the better of them by 92 runs at the 1973 Women's Cricket World Cup.
India opener Smriti Mandhana was named the Player of the Match for a standout 117 runs off 91 deliveries, a knock which included 14 fours and four maximums.
Delving into her innings, Mandhana conceded to abiding by an aggressive approach with the bat, an intent she hopes to take into the Cricket World Cup starting September 30.
"You know the Australian team and you need to get 280-290 (against them), so our bowlers get that extra cushion.
"The wicket is really flat, so I had to be aggressive. Throughout the World Cup as well, there wouldn't be one game where I won't be aggressive, but it will depend on the conditions."
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Biggest win against Australia in Women's ODIs (by margin of runs)
| Team | Margin | Venue (Year) |
|---|---|---|
| India | 102 runs | New Chandigarh (2025) |
| England | 92 runs | Birmingham (1973) |
| India | 88 runs | Chennai (2004) |
| South Africa | 84 runs | North Sydney (2024) |
| New Zealand | 82 runs | Lincoln (2008) |
Meanwhile, Kranti Goud was the pick of the bowlers for India, nabbing three wickets in return for 28 runs. The performance adds to an impressive streak from Goud, who made her ODI debut earlier this year.
The pacer has credited India head coach Amol Muzumdar for supporting her during the early stages of her ODI career.
“I don’t think too much. I just keep it simple. Sir [Amol Muzumdar] backs me to bowl to my strengths and that’s what I try to do, and I feel that if I do that, it’s difficult for the batter to play me," Goud told reporters.
With the Women's Cricket World Cup nearing, Goud has her sights on a much-anticipated third ODI against Australia, with the series up for grabs.
“We just won today’s game, the final game of the series is still left and that’s what we will focus on. The World Cup is still far away and I will try to just focus on the next match.”
India and Australia will next face-off in the series decider on September 20 in Delhi.