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In a thrilling encounter at the heart of the India Women v Australia Women series, the third One Day International (ODI) witnessed Australia Women assert their dominance on Indian soil in 2025. Broadcast live and covered extensively by the Australian Broadcasting Corporation’s Cricket Score Centre, the match showcased intense competition, strategic brilliance, and standout performances from both sides. As the series reached its crucial stage, fans were treated to a captivating display of skill and determination, reflecting the growing stature of women’s cricket on the global stage.
India Women Dominate with Strategic Batting in Third ODI
India’s women cricketers showcased exceptional composure and tactical prowess in their batting approach during the third ODI against Australia. The middle order, led by captain Harmanpreet Kaur, executed precise shot selection, adapting expertly to the swinging conditions and Australia’s aggressive bowling strategy. Their patience turned the innings around after a cautious start, setting a challenging target that applied pressure on the Australian lineup.
The innings was marked by notable performances from openers Smriti Mandhana and Shafali Verma, whose aggressive yet calculated strokes laid a strong foundation. Meanwhile, the lower order contributed crucial runs, demonstrating depth in India’s batting arsenal. Key highlights included:
- Smart rotating of strike to keep the scoreboard ticking
- Exploiting gaps in the Australian field placements
- Building partnerships that frustrated the opposition’s attack
| Batter | Runs | Balls | Strike Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Harmanpreet Kaur | 72 | 85 | 84.7 |
| Smriti Mandhana | 65 | 70 | 92.9 |
| Shafali Verma | 54 | 60 | 90.0 |
Key Player Performances and Turning Points in the Match
The match witnessed standout performances that significantly tilted the balance in Australia’s favour. Ellyse Perry’s clinically composed innings of 102 off 115 balls not only anchored the Australian innings but also served as a blueprint for handling the Indian pace attack. On the bowling front, Ashleigh Gardner’s incisive spells, highlighted by 4 crucial wickets for 38 runs, consistently choked the run flow and dismantled crucial Indian partnerships. India’s middle order, which showed resilience earlier in the series, faltered under the sustained pressure created by Australia’s disciplined bowling attack. The turning point appeared when Gardner’s double strike in the 30th over reduced India to 85/5, effectively derailing any momentum the hosts had built.
- Ellyse Perry: 102 runs, 115 balls, 8 fours, 2 sixes
- Ashleigh Gardner: 4/38 in 10 overs
- Mithali Raj: Resilient 56 runs, resisted at a critical juncture
- Poonam Yadav: Looked threatening but lacked support
| Player | Performance | Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Ellyse Perry | 102 runs, 115 balls | Set a formidable total with controlled aggression |
| Ashleigh Gardner | 4 wickets for 38 runs | Key spinner breakthrough, broke crucial partnerships |
| Mithali Raj | 56 runs | Battled hard but lacked support at the crease |
The momentum clearly shifted during Australia’s innings with the declaration of aggressive intent and clinical execution. India’s chase was stymied by frequent wickets at the fall of key partnerships, notably post the 25th over when Australia upped the pace strategically with a mix of seam and spin. The tactical acumen displayed by captain Meg Lanning, especially in bringing Yvonne Goolagong into the attack at an unexpected juncture, was a masterstroke that caught the Indian batters off guard. These moments not only defined the match but underscored Australia’s ability to rise to the Occasion and execute their plans under pressure.
In conclusion, Australia’s balanced performance with a commanding batting display by Ellyse Perry and incisive bowling by Ashleigh Gardner, complemented by astute captaincy from Meg Lanning, paved the way for their comprehensive victory. Despite Mithali Raj’s valiant effort, India’s middle order collapse and lack of support from other batters meant they couldn’t sustain their innings. The match served as a testament to Australia’s dominance and tactical superiority in this contest.
Australia Women Must Strengthen Middle Overs to Bounce Back in Series
After a disappointing performance in the first two matches, the Australian women’s cricket team needs to reinforce their middle overs strategy to regain control of the series. The middle overs have been a weak link, with inconsistent bowling and missed fielding opportunities allowing India to build momentum and post challenging totals. Strengthening this phase is critical, as it often dictates the match tempo and sets the stage for a strong finish.
Key areas for improvement include:
- Consistent spin bowling: Utilizing spinners to apply pressure and contain runs.
- Sharper field placements: Cutting down singles and forcing risky shots.
- Better death over planning: Balancing aggression with control to restrict scoring.
| Player | Economy Rate (Middle Overs) | Wickets Taken |
|---|---|---|
| Jess Jonassen | 5.6 | 3 |
| Amanda-Jade Wellington | 5.9 | 2 |
| Nicholls | 6.2 | 1 |
In Retrospect
As the Australia Women’s team wraps up the 3rd ODI against India in this closely contested series, the encounter has once again highlighted the growing competitiveness and skill on display in women’s cricket. With both sides showcasing resilience and talent, the series serves as a compelling chapter in their ongoing rivalry. Fans can look forward to further thrilling matches as Australia Women continue their tour in India, with the momentum firmly building towards future clashes. Stay tuned to the Australian Broadcasting Corporation for comprehensive coverage and updates from this exciting series.
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