Australia Women Secure Dominant Six-Wicket Victory Over India in First ODI Series Opener

Australia Women level the multi-format series with a 6-wicket win over India. Read the recap of Healy and Mooney’s match-winning half-centuries in the 2026 ODI opener.

By: AXL Media

Published: Feb 24, 2026, 6:31 AM EST

Source: The information in this article was sourced from The Guardian's live coverage.

Clinical Bowling Performance Restricts India

Opting to bat first after winning the toss, India Women struggled to find consistent momentum against a disciplined Australian attack. Despite a resilient half-century from captain Harmanpreet Kaur (53) and a steady 58 from Smriti Mandhana, the Indian lineup collapsed under the pressure of Australia’s multifaceted bowling unit. Megan Schutt set the tone early with critical breakthroughs, while Ash Gardner emerged as the most successful bowler with three wickets. The middle-order squeeze was intensified by Alana King and Sophie Molineux, leaving India all out for 214 in 48.3 overs, a total described by analysts as modest for the conditions at Allan Border Field.

The Resilience of the Veteran Opening Pair

Australia’s chase began with early fireworks from Phoebe Litchfield, whose quickfire 32 provided immediate momentum. However, a brief "wobble" saw Litchfield and Georgia Voll depart in quick succession to the left-arm spin of Shree Charani, who momentarily threatened to turn the match on its head. In response, the experienced duo of Alyssa Healy and Beth Mooney stabilized the innings. Healy marked her return to the squad with a calculated 50 off 69 balls, while Mooney continued her exceptional form at her home ground, scoring 76 from 79 deliveries. Their partnership effectively neutralized the Indian spin threat and placed Australia within sight of the target.

Injury Management and Squad Depth

The victory was particularly notable given Australia's significant injury concerns. The team entered the ODI portion of the multi-format series without star players Ellyse Perry and Kim Garth, both sidelined due to quad injuries. This provided an opportunity for Megan Schutt to return to the starting XI and for youngsters like Georgia Voll to showcase their fielding prowess, with Voll taking three critical catches. The depth of the Australian squad was further demonstrated as Annabel Sutherland played a mature finishing role, striking 48 runs and sealing the game with a towering six over midwicket to finish at 217-4.