Before the Event
Leading up to the ODI series, Australia Women were seen as strong contenders, especially with players like Alyssa Healy and Alana King in form. India Women, on the other hand, aimed to challenge Australia but faced a tough task against a formidable opponent.
What Changed
The series began with Australia Women showcasing their dominance. In the third ODI, Australia posted an impressive total of 409 runs, with Alyssa Healy scoring 158 runs, a standout performance that contributed significantly to their victory.
Australia Women ultimately defeated India by 185 runs, marking a clean sweep of the series. This result highlighted the gap in performance between the two teams, with India losing all three matches.
On the bowling front, Alana King achieved a remarkable feat by becoming the No.1 bowler in the ICC Women’s ODI Bowling Rankings with a rating of 775. In contrast, Deepti Sharma was the only Indian bowler to make it into the top 10, ranked 10th.
Consequences
The series outcome has significant implications for both teams. Australia Women not only secured the series but also saw Smriti Mandhana climb to the top of the ICC Women’s ODI Batting Rankings with 790 rating points. Meanwhile, Harmanpreet Kaur is ranked 9th among batters, reflecting India’s struggles in the series.
Additionally, Australia has selected uncapped players Rachel Trenaman and Maitlan Brown for the upcoming one-off Test against India, indicating a shift in strategy and player development.
Analysis
The performances in this series have raised questions about India’s current standing in women’s cricket. With players like Jemimah Rodrigues ranked 12th in the ICC Women’s ODI Batting Rankings, there is a clear need for improvement.
Australia’s victory not only solidifies their position in women’s cricket but also sets a benchmark for India to aspire to in future encounters. The series has highlighted the strengths of the Australian side while exposing vulnerabilities in the Indian team that need to be addressed moving forward.
