Sep 20, 2025 12:20 IST
Hello and a warm welcome to everyone to the Super-Saturday fixture where India Women will take on Australia Women. The weekend couldn’t get any better as we have a heavyweight clash coming our way all the way from Delhi.
Sep 19, 2025 11:54 IST
The stage is set for a high-stakes decider at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi, as India Women look to script history by clinching their first-ever WODI series win over Australia Women. The hosts come into the contest buoyed by a commanding 102-run victory in New Chandigarh, ending almost an 18-year wait for a home ODI triumph against the Aussies. That result not only levelled the series 1-1 but also snapped Australia’s 13-match winning streak in the format, setting up a mouth-watering finale. With both sides boasting match-winners in form, the clash promises to be a fitting conclusion to a fiercely contested series. India’s batting will once again revolve around Smriti Mandhana, who is in sublime touch. Her blistering century in the second ODI was her second ton in three games against Australia. Partnering her at the top, Pratika Rawal has been a model of consistency, averaging 50 in her young career. Harleen Deol will aim to convert her starts, while the middle order hinges on captain Harmanpreet Kaur, the versatile Deepti Sharma, and the explosive Richa Ghosh. Jemimah Rodrigues’ availability remains uncertain, but her return would bolster India’s stability in the middle overs. With the ball, India’s attack looks balanced and confident. Sneh Rana’s control, Deepti Sharma’s all-round impact, and Radha Yadav’s spin threat will be complemented by Kranti Goud’s pace, fresh from her three-wicket haul in Chandigarh. Renuka Singh’s early breakthroughs on her return from injury were pivotal in the second ODI, and she will again be tasked with unsettling Australia’s top order. The challenge will be to maintain discipline against a batting line-up known for its depth and adaptability. Australia, despite the rare setback, remain a formidable force. Skipper Alyssa Healy and Phoebe Litchfield form a potent opening pair, with the latter boasting an exceptional record against India. Ellyse Perry’s class at number three, coupled with Beth Mooney’s reliability and Annabel Sutherland’s all-round prowess, ensures the visitors have the firepower to post or chase big totals. Ashleigh Gardner’s dual threat with bat and ball continues to make her one of the most valuable players in the women’s game, while Tahlia McGrath’s batting record against India adds another layer of danger. In the bowling department, Australia will look to Darcie Brown’s pace to make early inroads, supported by the spin duo of Alana King and Georgia Wareham, both proven performers against India. Sutherland’s knack for picking up key wickets and McGrath’s utility with the ball provide further options. The visitors will be determined to bounce back from their heaviest ODI defeat in history and protect their proud record in bilateral series. With history on the line for India and redemption on the agenda for Australia, the Delhi decider promises to be a gripping contest that could go down as one of the defining moments in women’s cricket this year.