India Women vs Australia Women: Clash of Titans in the First ODI
As the countdown to the ICC Women’s World Cup 2025 begins, India Women (IND-W) are gearing up to face off against Australia Women (AUS-W) in the first ODI of a thrilling three-match series at the iconic Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium in New Chandigarh on Sunday, September 14.
India Women on a Winning Streak
The hosts, India Women, are entering the series with high spirits following their victorious campaign against England Women in both the ODI and T20I formats during an away series in July. With the momentum firmly on their side, the Women in Blue are eager to deliver another dominant performance against a formidable opponent like Australia Women and carry forward their winning streak into the upcoming marquee event.
Australia Women Ready to Defend Their Title
On the other hand, Australia Women have not seen international action since March. However, many of their players have been actively participating in The Hundred, gaining valuable match practice during this period. As they regroup for this crucial series, the visitors will be aiming to find their form quickly and secure a series victory before heading into the global tournament as defending champions.
Pitch Report and Expected Playing XIs
The pitch at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium is known for providing good pace, allowing batters the freedom to play their shots with ease. The relatively short boundaries further enhance the potential for a high-scoring encounter. While pacers might see some movement early on, spinners are expected to come into play as the innings progress. Overall, the conditions are likely to favor the batsmen, setting the stage for an exciting and potentially high-scoring match on Sunday.
Predicted Playing XIs:
India Women (IND W):
Harmanpreet Kaur (captain), Smriti Mandhana, Pratika Rawal, Harleen Deol, Jemimah Rodrigues, Richa Ghosh (WK), Deepti Sharma, Kranti Goud, Arundhati Reddy, Renuka Singh Thakur, Radha Yadav
Australia Women (AUS W):
Alyssa Healy (captain), Tahlia McGrath, Georgia Voll, Phoebe Litchfield, Beth Mooney (WK), Ashleigh Gardner, Grace Harris, Alana King, Annabel Sutherland, Megan Schutt, Sophie Molineux
Key Players to Watch Out For
Probable Best Batter: Smriti Mandhana
The stylish left-handed batter, Smriti Mandhana, will play a crucial role for India Women in this encounter. Coming off a successful series against England Women, Mandhana will look to continue her good run of form. Her ability to provide solid starts at the top of the order will be instrumental for India, and a strong performance in this ODI series could set the tone for her as she gears up for the upcoming World Cup.
Probable Best Bowler: Annabel Sutherland
For Australia Women, the right-arm pacer Annabel Sutherland will be a key figure in the bowling attack. Her ability to vary lengths and mix up her pace can prove to be crucial in containing the Indian batters and picking up crucial wickets. With the World Cup looming ahead, all eyes will be on Sutherland’s form during this series as she looks to fine-tune her skills before the global tournament.
With both teams aiming for victory, the stage is set for an enthralling battle between India Women and Australia Women in the first ODI. Cricket fans can expect a high-scoring, action-packed encounter as these two cricketing powerhouses go head-to-head in what promises to be an exciting showdown.
