Australia’s women’s team registered the second-highest chase in the history of WODIs against India at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai. Australia beat India by 6 wickets to take a 1-0 lead in the three-match WODI series.

Even without former skipper Meg Lanning, the world champions showed impeccable skill and teamwork to chase down a target of 283 with 21 balls to spare.

After Australia’s skipper Alyssa Healy was dismissed early in the match by Renuka Singh, hopes for India seemed high. However, the tide turned as Phoebe Litchfield (78) and Ellyse Perry (75) put up a dynamic 148-run stand to change the trajectory of the game.

Beth Mooney and Tahlia McGrath also contributed significantly, scoring 42 and 68* respectively, to ensure Australia’s comfortable chase and ultimately, a historic win.

India’s innings started uncertainly as Shafali Verma was dismissed by Darcie Brown for merely one run. However, Yastika Bhatia and Richa Ghosh kept the hopes of the team alive, scoring at an impressive rate before Ghosh was dismissed by Annabel Sutherland for 21. Despite some shaky performances, Harmanpreet Kaur and Bhatia successfully helped India cross the 50-run mark.

Key contributions came in the form of Jemimah Rodrigues, who scored a swift half-century while Pooja Vastrakar chipped in with a fiery knock. Rodrigues’s 82 runs off just 77 balls and Vastrakar’s unbeaten 62 from 46 balls, including seven fours and two sixes, guided the hosts to an impressive total of 282 for 8 in 50 overs.

Unfortunately for India, Australia’s standout performances led them to chase down the target with ease. Despite India’s initial confidence and some brilliant individual performances, it was Australia’s consistent team effort that ultimately led to their historic victory.

Following this loss, India will gear up to take on Australia in the second match of the series, slated to be held at the same venue on December 30.