Brisbane, February 24 – The India Women embark on a historic ODI pursuit against Australia Women, starting with a toss victory and decision to bat first at the Gabba. Buoyed by a 2-1 T20I series conquest, captain Harmanpreet Kaur eyes a double triumph.
‘We’ve chosen to bat knowing it’s optimal today,’ Kaur declared. Gabba insights: 10 defenses, 12 chases won in 22 ODIs; average first innings 212. In 61 head-to-heads, Australia’s 49 triumphs dwarf India’s 12, yet T20 highlights—a DLS 21-run opener win, 19-run setback, 17-run decider—fuel hope.
India’s squad blends youth and experience: Smriti Mandhana and Pratika Rao open, followed by Shefali Verma, Harmanpreet Kaur (c), Jemimah Rodrigues, Richa Ghosh (wk), Deepti Sharma, Kashvee Gautam, Sree Charani, Kranti Gaud, Renuka Singh Thakur. Australia arrays Alyssa Healy (c), Phoebe Litchfield, Georgia Voll, Beth Mooney (wk), Annabel Sutherland, Ashley Gardner, Tahlia McGrath, Sophie Molineux, Alana King, Megan Schutt, Darcie Brown.
As the anthem fades, cricket’s drama unfolds. This opener isn’t just a match; it’s a statement. India’s bold toss call could herald a series-defining performance, challenging Australia’s supremacy in women’s ODIs.