NEW DELHI: India suffered an 83-run defeat against Australia in the third Women’s ODI at Perth on Wednesday, despite opener Smriti Mandhana‘s brilliant century, resulting in a 0-3 series whitewash.
After winning the toss and choosing to field, India had Australia struggling at 78 for four. However, Annabel Sutherland‘s outstanding 110 from 95 balls, along with significant contributions from Ashleigh Gardner (50) and captain Tahlia McGrath (56 not out), helped Australia post 298 for six in their 50 overs at WACA.
India’s response ended at 215 in 45.1 overs.
Chasing 299, Mandhana’s elegant 105 off 109 balls kept India’s hopes alive. Her innings, which included 14 boundaries and a six, demonstrated excellent technique and timing.
The Indian innings struggled due to lack of support for Mandhana after Alana King broke the 118-run partnership between her and Harleen Deol (39 off 64 balls).
Gardner proved decisive with both bat and ball, claiming five wickets for 30 runs. Notable batting failures included Richa Ghosh (2), Harmanpreet Kaur (12), Jemimah Rodrigues (16), and Deepti Sharma (0).
Earlier, Australia recovered from Arundhati Reddy‘s exceptional bowling spell to post a challenging total. Reddy achieved career-best figures in limited-overs cricket with four crucial wickets.
The match began with Phoebe Litchfield (25) and Georgia Voll (26) building a solid opening partnership. Reddy’s breakthrough over changed the momentum, dismissing both openers and subsequently removing Elysse Perry and Beth Mooney, reducing Australia to 78 for four.
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Sutherland and Gardner’s 96-run partnership showcased Australia’s batting depth. Sutherland particularly dominated the spinners, including a notable over against Deepti.
She reached her century with a six off Deepti in the final over, whilst India’s fielding showed room for improvement with three dropped catches.
