INDW vs AUSW, 3rd WODI: Australia hammer their highest-ever total against India at Wankhede

The Australian women’s team registered their highest-ever total against India in the white-ball format during the 3rd ODI match at the Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai on January 2, Tuesday.

The Indian team had a hard day on the field during the 1st innings of the 3rd ODI after Australia won the toss and opted to bat first on a sluggish Wankhede track. The opening pair of Alyssa Healy and Phoebe Litchfield got Australia off to a flier start with their record opening stand of 189 runs from 173 balls. Healy registered her maiden fifty as Australia’s captain and teamed with Phoebe to put the hosts on the back foot from the start.

Pooja Vastrakar provided the Indian team with a much-needed breakthrough in the 29th over by dismissing the Australian skipper at 82. The 1st wicket opened the gates with a flurry of wickets. India pulled themselves back into the game by reducing Australia from 189/1 to 216/4. While wickets kept tumbling on one end, Phoebe held on to the other end as the opener notched up her 2nd ODI hundred. She was dismissed at 119 runs by Deepti Sharma, who became her 100th ODI scalp.

Shreyanka Patil, who made her ODI debut for India in this series, was the pick amongst the bowlers as she picked 3 wickets, which included 2 wickets on consecutive balls, creating a hat-trick chance for India and gave away 57 runs in her 10 overs. However, after a mini setback in the middle overs, Australia’s lower middle order ensured a strong finish as Indian fielders couldn’t cash in on the opportunities and dropped a few catches.

India conceded their highest-ever total in ODIs as the visitors smashed 338 runs in 50 overs. Australia broke their previous record of the highest score against India of 332 runs, which they achieved in 2018 in Vadodra. India will have an uphill task as they chase a mammoth total of 339 runs.

India do not boast of a great record against the 7-time World Champions in ODIs. They have suffered 9 consecutive ODI defeats against Australia. India are already 2-0 down in the 3-match series and would look to salvage some pride in the dead rubber clash.