The Indian women’s ODI campaign in Australia hit rock bottom with a 5-wicket loss in the second match, gifting the hosts a 2-0 series stranglehold. Skipper Harmanpreet Kaur laid the blame on batting failures, calling for urgent corrections ahead of the finale.
Batting first after winning the toss, India eyed a 300-plus haul on an enhanced pitch. Instead, self-inflicted wounds through rash shots led to 251/9. Harmanpreet’s resolute 54 off 70 balls extended her fifty streak, Rawal fought with 52 off 81, but Mandhana (31) and Gautam (25) couldn’t build partnerships.
‘We failed to bat properly,’ Harmanpreet stated bluntly. ‘Our plan was 300+ given the better track, but losing wickets in bunches again stopped us.’ Australia’s attack, spearheaded by Sutherland (2/37) and King (2/41), exploited the fragility.
Chasing effortlessly, Voll’s stunning 101 and Litchfield’s 80 – via a 119-run alliance – propelled Australia. Mooney (31) and Gardner (19*) mopped up in 36.1 overs.
With pride on the line Sunday, Harmanpreet demanded better. ‘Batting has been off in both games, paying the price now,’ she observed. ‘Expect more accountable play from the batters.’
Australia’s clinical approach exposes India’s need for batting resilience in high-stakes encounters.