Smriti Mandhana shines with century but Australia seals series with 83-run victory in third ODI

New Delhi: In an exciting showdown at the WACA Stadium, India’s opener Smriti Mandhana reached a remarkable milestone with her ninth ODI century. However, it was outshined by the exceptional performance of the Australian team. Annabel Sutherland knocked a blistering 110, while Ashleigh Gardner’s outstanding bowling figures of 5-30 led Australia to an 83-run victory, marking a clean sweep of the series at 3-0. This match emphasized the intense rivalry between the two teams, leaving Indian fans feeling heartbroken yet proud of their players’ hard work.

Batting first, Australia established a challenging target of 299 runs. The openers, Georgia Voll and Phoebe Litchfield, built a robust foundation with a 58-run partnership. However, India’s Arundhati Reddy turned the momentum around with her impressive bowling, taking four wickets for just 27 runs. Despite her brilliant efforts, the lack of support from the other bowlers allowed Australia to gain an upper hand.

In reply, Smriti Mandhana displayed her exceptional skill with a stylish 105 runs, keeping India’s hopes alive. Her partnership with Harleen Deol, which amounted to 118 runs, was a standout moment for the team. Under pressure, Smriti’s grace at the crease was captivating, as she struck 14 boundaries and a six.

The match took a decisive turn when Ashleigh Gardner dismissed Smriti, triggering a collapse in India’s batting line-up. Gardner’s five-wicket haul was crucial in securing Australia’s triumph, showcasing the depth and expertise of their bowling attack.

As India reflects on the series, there are valuable lessons to be drawn. The team’s resilience and the individual brilliance shown by Smriti Mandhana provide optimism for upcoming matches. Although the series ended without a victory, the spirit of the game is alive, and fans are excitedly looking forward to India’s next challenge.