Brisbane, 5 December (IANS). Fast bowler Megan Schutt produced a career-best performance of 5/19 as she dismantled India’s top order to set the stage for Australia’s five-wicket win in the ODI series opener at the Allan Border Field on Thursday.
Electing to bat first, the Indian batting line-up never found its rhythm, thanks to Shutt and others who did not give them any breathing room and they were out for 100, their highest in ODIs since 2012. Have a low score.
In reply, debutant batsman Georgia Voll scored an unbeaten 46 off 42 balls as Australia achieved the target in 17 overs, although losing five wickets in the process and taking a 1–0 lead in the three-match series. Did it.
Megan started by dismissing openers Smriti Mandhana and Priya Punia, before Harleen Deol (19) became the victim of Ashley Gardner. After Harmanpreet Kaur (17) was dismissed LBW by Annabel Sutherland, India’s efforts to post a respectable score were dealt a blow when Jemimah Rodrigues was dismissed by Kim Garth.
After this, India lost its last six wickets for just 11 runs and the team was all out for just 100 runs in 34.2 overs. Chasing a modest target of 101 runs, Georgia and Phoebe Litchfield (35) shared a 48-run partnership to give the hosts a solid start. Just when the run chase was looking easy, Renuka Singh Thakur took three wickets to reduce Australia to 52/3.
Young leg spinner Priya Mishra brought some life to the game for Harmanpreet’s team by sending Annabel and Ashley to the pavilion in the next overs. But young Georgia’s composed and match-winning innings of 46 runs gave Australia victory in the 17th over.
With Thursday’s win, Australia remains on top of the ICC Women’s Championship standings with 30 points, while India are placed third with 25 points. The second ODI will take place at the same venue on Sunday.
Brief scores: India 100 (Jemimah Rodrigues 23, Megan Schutt 5-19, Annabel Sutherland 1-13) vs Australia 102/5 (Georgia Woll 46 not out, Phoebe Lichfield 35, Renuka Singh Thakur 3-45, Priya Mishra 2-11) Lost by five wickets.
–IANS
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