Australia clinched the three-match ODI series in emphatic fashion, handing India a five-wicket defeat on February 27. The day clearly belonged to Georgia Voll, whose scintillating century proved to be the decisive factor in securing the win for the home side.
Australia seal series with emphatic win over India in 2nd ODI
Australia successfully chased down the target of 252 with ease, led by a sensational performance from Georgia Voll, who scored 101 runs off just 82 deliveries, including 13 boundaries. Phoebe Litchfield contributed significantly with a rapid 80 runs from 62 balls, featuring 11 boundaries and a six. Despite claiming two wickets each, Kashvee Gautam and Deepti Sharma could not prevent the hosts from securing a comfortable victory.
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Earlier in the match, India won the toss and elected to bat first, starting brightly with a 78-run opening partnership between Smriti Mandhana, who scored 31, and Pratika Rawal. However, the innings collapsed following Mandhana's dismissal. While Rawal (52) and captain Harmanpreet Kaur (54) both managed half-centuries, the rest of the batting order failed to make a substantial impact, with contributions limited to 22 from Richa Ghosh and 25 from Kashvi Gautam. Ashley Gardner, Annabelle Sutherland, and Alana King were the pick of the Australian bowlers, each taking two wickets.
Georgia Voll burns bright for Australia
After setting a target of 252 for 9, India required early breakthroughs to challenge Australia's formidable batting lineup. A glimmer of hope emerged when Kashvee Gautam bowled Australian captain Alyssa Healy for just 6 runs. However, that early success was immediately overshadowed by a dominant display from the hosts.
Phoebe Litchfield and Georgia Voll dismantled the chase with audacity and assurance. Litchfield was electric from the outset, racing to 80 off 62 balls with 11 fours and a six, effortlessly piercing gaps to ensure the required run rate never became a talking point. At the other end, Voll produced an innings of remarkable authority, blending power with precision to score 101 off 82 balls, including 13 fours and a six, exhibiting a calmness that belied her years.
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Their 119-run partnership shifted the contest irreversibly, leaving India’s bowlers searching for control as pressure failed to mount. Even after Kranti Gaud dismissed Litchfield and Voll departed following her century, Australia cruised to victory. Beth Mooney’s composed 31 steadied the final phase, and Gardner’s unbeaten 19 ensured there were no stumbles as Australia surged to 252 for 5 in just 36.1 overs—with 83 balls to spare—underlining a significant gulf in finishing power.
With the series now locked up, the two teams will face off one final time for the third ODI, scheduled for on March 1.