There is something poetic about a captain beginning her farewell tour with a half-century. That is exactly what Alyssa Healy did at Allan Border Field in Brisbane, guiding Australia Women to a commanding win over World Cup champions India in the opening ODI of the multi-format series.
Schutt Strikes Early as India Falter
Under overcast skies, India’s captain Harmanpreet Kaur chose to bat. It was a bold call, especially in seam-friendly conditions.
However, the decision backfired almost immediately. Megan Schutt, drafted in late, produced a wicked inswinger to trap Pratika Rawal lbw on just the second ball of the match. That early breakthrough set the mood.
India never quite settled. Although Smriti Mandhana compiled a composed 58 and Harmanpreet added a fighting 53, Australia’s attack stayed disciplined.
Ashleigh Gardner led the charge with 3 for 33 from seven overs, while six different bowlers chipped in with wickets.
India were eventually bowled out for 214 in the 49th over. Respectable, yes. But on that surface, slightly under par.
A Chase That Needed Composure
Chasing 215 can look simple on paper. In Brisbane’s seaming conditions, though, it demanded discipline.
Healy provided it. She began with a glorious straight drive off Renuka Singh, a boundary that felt like a statement. For a moment, it looked effortless.
Then came a period of adjustment. Having only recently returned to action in domestic cricket, Healy showed signs of rust. She miscued a few shots and survived a tight lbw review on 12 that left Renuka visibly frustrated.
Yet she never looked rattled. Instead, she built patiently.
Partnerships That Broke India’s Resolve
Healy shared a half-century opening stand with Phoebe Litchfield, who made a brisk 32 before being stumped sharply by Richa Ghosh.
For a brief moment, India sensed an opening.
Left-arm spinner Shree Charani even found herself on a hat-trick. Georgia Voll chipped tamely to cover, and the tension rose. However, the breakthrough never became a collapse.
That is when Beth Mooney stepped in.
Mooney, now Australia’s full-time wicketkeeper, played with authority. She struck 76 off 79 balls and passed 3000 ODI career runs along the way. Her 64-run partnership with Healy steadied the chase, and later an 85-run stand with Annabel Sutherland extinguished India’s hopes.
Healy reached her fifty off 69 balls before falling the very next delivery to a sharp catch by Jemimah Rodrigues. By then, the damage was done. Australia eased home in the 39th over.
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