Australia Leads India 1-0 with Eight-Wicket Win in Women's ODI Series Opener

In the opening ODI of the Australia Women’s tour of India 2025 at New Chandigarh, Australia secured a commanding eight-wicket victory over India while chasing a target of 282 runs. India posted a competitive total with half-centuries from Pratika Rawal, Smriti Mandhana, and Harleen Deol, but fielding errors, including four dropped catches, undermined their efforts. Australian opener Phoebe Litchfield starred with 88 runs, benefiting from two dropped catches, and was well supported by Beth Mooney (77 not out) and Annabel Sutherland (54 not out), who shared an unbroken 116-run partnership to seal the win. Despite losing captain Alyssa Healy early and Ellyse Perry retiring hurt, Australia’s batting depth and clinical chase ensured they completed the target with nearly six overs to spare. Australia’s effective middle-over batting and India’s inability to contain the scoring rate, especially with their spin attack, proved decisive in the match. The victory gives Australia a 1-0 lead in the three-match series ahead of the Women's World Cup beginning later in September.