Openers Mandhana (80 off 66 balls, 9 fours, 3 sixes) and Pratika Rawal (75 off 96, 10 fours, 1 six) set the tone with a brilliant 155-run stand — the first century opening partnership of the tournament.
Contributions from Harleen Deol (38), Harmanpreet Kaur (22), Jemimah Rodrigues (33 off 21) and Richa Ghosh (32 off 22) kept India’s momentum strong through the middle and death overs.
Australia, however, pulled things back late, bowling India out in 48.5 overs. Annabel Sutherland starred with the ball, claiming 5 for 40, while Sophie Molineux chipped in with 3 for 75.
Chasing 331, Australia now face the highest target in Women’s ODI history, with the current record being 302/4, achieved by Sri Lanka against South Africa last year.
Australia skipper Alyssa Healy won the toss and chose to bowl against India.
In a tactical switch, Australia brought in spin all-rounder Sophie Molineux for Georgia Wareham, while India retained the same playing XI that fell short against South Africa in their previous game.
“Pitch looks better than what we had in the last game. Same XI. Sometimes you win, sometimes you lose. It’s about how you bounce back. We were there in the game for 95 overs, lots of positives for us. They’ve always been important for us. Always been nice, cheering the team day and night. Biggest part in our lives that we’re getting this support,” India captain Harmanpreet Kaur said.
“We’re going to bowl. Got dewy last evening while training. Hopefully can slide on the bat. Just one change. Molineux is back and Wareham misses out. Nice to have Soph back. At some point during World Cups, you just need to get what needs to be done and get the win. But when you come up against a really good opposition like India, you need to put everything together. My first time back in Vizag since 2011. Should be a great atmosphere. Got a bit of Aussie support. Girls are pumped for that,” said Alyssa Healy, Australia captain.
Teams
Australia Women: Alyssa Healy (w/c), Phoebe Litchfield, Ellyse Perry, Beth Mooney, Annabel Sutherland, Ashleigh Gardner, Tahlia McGrath, Sophie Molineux, Kim Garth, Alana King, Megan Schutt
India Women: Pratika Rawal, Smriti Mandhana, Harleen Deol, Harmanpreet Kaur (C), Jemimah Rodrigues, Deepti Sharma, Richa Ghosh (W), Amanjot Kaur, Sneh Rana, Kranti Gaud