The India vs Australia Women’s National Cricket Team match on October 13, 2024, was an exhilarating contest between two of the world’s top cricketing sides. The game took place in Sharjah as part of the lead-up to the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2024, giving fans a preview of what to expect in the upcoming tournament. The match not only showcased exceptional individual performances but also offered a strategic battle between the captains, Harmanpreet Kaur for India and Alyssa Healy for Australia.
Match Summary and Scorecard
- Australia Women’s National Cricket Team: 248/8 in 49.3 overs
- India Women’s National Cricket Team: 247/7 in 50 overs
- Result: Australia Women won by 2 wickets
Australia Women chased down a target of 248, reaching the score in 49.3 overs with just two wickets in hand. The key performers for Australia were Alyssa Healy, who scored a crucial 81 off 90 balls, and Tahlia McGrath, with a quickfire 60 off 47 balls. India’s bowling unit, led by Renuka Singh with a spell of 3/42, fought hard but couldn’t secure the win in a tightly contested match.
India Women’s Innings
After opting to bat first, India posted a competitive total of 247/7 in their 50 overs. The innings was anchored by Smriti Mandhana, who played a brilliant knock of 65 off 80 balls, and Shafali Verma, who chipped in with a solid 54 off 62 balls. Together, they put up a solid opening partnership of 72 runs, laying the foundation for a big score.
Captain Harmanpreet Kaur added a valuable 48 off 55 balls, playing a crucial role in the middle overs. However, Australia’s bowling attack, particularly Ellyse Perry and Darcie Brown, tightened the screws, picking up key wickets in the middle stages. Perry and Brown both took 2 wickets each, restricting India’s progress after a strong start.
Deepti Sharma played a crucial role towards the end, finishing unbeaten on 35 and pushing India’s total to 247, which looked competitive on a pitch that offered some assistance to the bowlers.
Australia Women’s Chase
Chasing 248, the Australia Women’s National Cricket Team got off to a shaky start, losing Beth Mooney early for just 14 runs. However, captain Alyssa Healy steadied the ship with a composed knock of 81 off 90 balls, displaying her leadership skills and guiding the chase.
Healy received strong support from Tahlia McGrath, whose aggressive approach paid off with a rapid 60 off 47 balls, bringing Australia back into the game. Despite India’s bowlers, particularly Renuka Singh and Pooja Vastrakar, making regular breakthroughs, the Australians managed to stay on course.
In the final stages, Jess Jonassen (23* off 19 balls) showed nerves of steel, helping Australia cross the finish line with just three balls to spare. The lower order’s contribution was critical in ensuring Australia secured a hard-fought victory.
Key Players and Performances
- India:
- Smriti Mandhana: 65 (80)
- Shafali Verma: 54 (62)
- Harmanpreet Kaur: 48 (55)
- Renuka Singh: 3/42
- Deepti Sharma: 35* (33)
- Australia:
- Alyssa Healy (c): 81 (90)
- Tahlia McGrath: 60 (47)
- Ellyse Perry: 2/38
- Darcie Brown: 2/45
- Jess Jonassen: 23* (19)
Strategic Insights
The captains played a huge role in shaping the game’s outcome. Harmanpreet Kaur decided to bat first, aiming to capitalize on a dry pitch. While India’s top order did well, Australia’s bowling tactics were on point, especially in the middle overs, with Ellyse Perry and Darcie Brown striking at crucial moments.
Alyssa Healy, apart from her leadership, played a pivotal knock to guide Australia’s chase. Her partnership with Tahlia McGrath turned the match in Australia’s favor, while Jess Jonassen’s calmness under pressure sealed the deal for the visitors.
What’s Next?
The India Women’s National Cricket Team will be looking to bounce back in the next match, as the series between these two cricketing powerhouses heats up. With both teams aiming for dominance ahead of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2024, this encounter has set the stage for more thrilling contests to come.
Where to Watch
Fans can catch the next matches between the Australia Women’s National Cricket Team and India Women’s National Cricket Team on various streaming platforms such as Star Sports and Hotstar, which are broadcasting the series live.
