Tahlia McGrath-led Australia women's cricket team picked up another dominant win over Harmanpreet Kaur's India women after beating them by 83 runs in the third and final ODI of the three-match series which was played at the iconic WACA ground in Perth, on December 11 (Wednesday). Annabel Sutherland smashed a crucial century for the Aussies and helped them post 298/6 on the board. Later the Women in Blue were bowled out on just 215 runs as the hosts clean sweeped them to win the series 3-0.
Australian middle-order steals show after Arundhati Reddy's record 4-fer
Arundhati Reddy's stunning performance with the ball ensured that India would finally get the better of the Australian top order. Phoebe Litchfield and Georgia Voll did join a 58-run opening stand but it was followed by an Arundhati Reddy storm. Australia went from 58/1 to 78/4 in the span of just six overs. Arundhati finished her 10-over spell with four wickets for just 26 runs at an economy of just 2.60. This was also the best performance by the Indian women's pacer against Australia in WODI. However, apart from her, no other Indian bowler could leave their mark.
This allowed Annabel Sutherland along with Tahlia McGrath and Ashleigh Gardner to turn the game back in their favour. Sutherland played a game-changing knock of 110 runs off just 95 balls which ended because of a run out. It was followed by half-centuries from Gardner (50 off 64 balls) and McGrath (56 not out). India had the chance to restrict Aussies on a low score but they once again failed to capitalise on good opportunities.
Smriti Mandhana's ton in vain
India lost the wicket of their opener Richa Ghosh early on as she departed after scoring just 2 runs off 8 balls. However, later Smriti Mandhana and Harleen Deol joined a stunning 118-run partnership that made many believed that India just might win the game. However, with Mandhana losing her wicket after scoring 105 runs off 109 balls, India kept on losing wickets at regular intervals and went from 134/2 to 189/4 and then 215 all out in no time.
She became the first Australian women player, and fourth woman overall, to score 50 runs and take a five-wicket haul in an ODI match. Her historic performance ensured that the Aussies clean sweep India 3-0 despite being in a tricky spot a couple of times.