Star wicketkeeper batter Alyssa Healy played an unbeaten 137-run knock as Australia A picked up a dominating nine-wicket win in the inconsequential third women's ODI against India A in Brisbane. India had already sealed the three-match series 2-0 after a two-wicket win in the second game on Friday, having also edged the opener by three wickets.
Opting to bat first, India rode on opener Shafali Verma’s 52 and wicketkeeper Yastika Bhatia’s 54-ball 42 to post 216 before being bowled out in 47.4 overs. Australia A captain, Tahlia McGrath, was the pick of the bowlers with 3/49 in eight overs.
While coming to chase 217, Healy (137 not out off 84 balls), smashed Indian bowlers all over the ground. She made a comeback after dealing with foot and knee injuries and showed no signs of rust. She mixed her usual flair with raw power, hitting 23 boundaries and 3 sixes, including a towering straight six to finish the match in style. However, she was dropped twice, once on 7 and again on 49. She made the most of her chances and led Australia to victory in just 27.5 overs.
At the other end, Tahlia Wilson played a calm and confident innings, scoring 59 runs. Together, she and Healy put on a solid 137-run opening partnership. Wilson was eventually dismissed by Radha Yadav, but the damage was already done.
Earlier in the day, India A had a promising start thanks to Shafali Verma, who looked in great touch. She hit a stylish half-century, including seven boundaries, and built a steady 86-run opening stand with Nandini Kashyap (28).
However, things changed quickly when Tahlia McGrath came into the attack. She dismissed Shafali and triggered a collapse. Kashyap and Tejal Hasabnis (1) followed soon after, leaving India struggling at 89/3.
Yastika Bhatia tried to steady the innings with some support from Raghvi Bisht (18) and Tanushree Sarkar (17), but McGrath struck again, removing Yastika with a catch taken by Healy. India couldn’t recover and were eventually bowled out for a below-par total.
Brief Scores:
India A 216 all out in 47.4 overs (Shafali Verma 52, Yastika Bhatia 42; Tahlia McGrath 8/40)
Australia A 222/1 in 27.5 overs (Alyssa Healy 137 not out, Tahlia Wilson 59; Radha Yadav 1/46)
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