India Women Vs Australia Women, 3rd ODI: Mandhana’s Heroics Fall Short As AUS-W Clinch Series

Australia Women defeated India Women by 43 runs to clinch the series 2-1 in a thrilling third ODI at Delhi’s Arun Jaitley Stadium.

Smriti Mandhana’s sensational 125 off 63 balls, her second consecutive century and the fastest by an Indian in ODIs, kept India in the hunt for a historic run chase.

Partnering with skipper Harmanpreet Kaur, who contributed a brisk 52, Mandhana looked set to rewrite the record books. The duo raced along at over ten an over and put Australia under pressure with a 121-run stand.

But both fell in quick succession, and although Deepti Sharma hit a valiant 72 while shepherding the lower order, India were unable to reach the target, finishing at 369 in 47 overs.

Australia, who batted first, posted a mammoth 412 all out, joint-highest in their ODI history and their highest against India. Beth Mooney stole the show with a blistering 138 off 79 balls, sharing a 106-run third-wicket stand with Ellyse Perry (68) after opener Georgia Voll’s 81 set the platform.

Mooney’s knock, her highest in ODIs, featured 23 fours and a six and ensured Australia’s total was imposing. Alyssa Healy (30) added early fireworks, while the rest of the batting lineup punished India’s inconsistent lengths throughout.

India’s bowlers struggled on a flat Kotla pitch. Early breakthroughs came sporadically, including Sneh Rana’s clever off-spin, but Mooney’s dominance and Australia’s steady partnerships left the hosts with a daunting chase.

The fielding unit also faltered, with dropped chances and misfields costing crucial runs, though Deepti Sharma’s one-handed return catch to dismiss Grace Harris was a highlight.

Despite India’s valiant efforts, Australia held their nerve in the final overs to preserve a 100% series record. Mandhana’s record-breaking 50-ball century, surpassing Karen Rolton’s 2000-01 mark, went in vain, while Deepti Sharma’s late flourish with the bat offered a glimpse of hope too late to change the outcome.

Beth Mooney was deservedly named Player of the Match, while Smriti Mandhana took home Player of the Series honors. Australia’s win not only reinforced their dominance but also denied India a chance to set a new world record for the highest successful ODI chase.