Smriti Mandhana grabbed the show with a superb knock against Australia at Wankhede. The powerful strokes and beautiful play of the left-hander had the home audience on its feet as she reached a well-deserved century. Mandhana’s innings, however, took an unexpected turn on the fourth ball of the 39th over. A careless effort at a single after slicing a good-length ball resulted in a runout, depriving her of the opportunity to hit triple digits. The blunder lost India a vital wicket, dropping them to 148/3 in chase of Australia’s first-innings total of 219.
Smriti Mandhana out after scoring an excellent 74 runs
Mandhana maintained her attack against Garth, Cheatle, Gardner, Sutherland, and King in her second innings on Day 2. The aggressive attitude of the left-hander resulted in a spectacular third half-century in Tests, reaching a historic milestone in front of the home fans.
Ghosh and Rodrigues stand out
Despite Smriti Mandhana’s unexpected withdrawal, newcomer Richa Ghosh and in-form Jemimah Rodrigues showed tenacity, helping to steady India’s ship. Ghosh soon piled 20 runs after opening her account with a boundary, while Rodrigues used her famous cover drive and sweep to keep the scoreboard ticking.
The present India Women vs. Australia Women Only Test at Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai has been a thrilling clash between the two cricketing titans. Australia Women won the toss and chose to bat, scoring 219 in their first innings. However, India Women suffered a blow with the unlucky runout of Smriti Mandhana, Smriti Mandhana out after scoring an excellent 74 runs. At the halfway point of Day 3, India Women trail by 26 runs. Mandhana’s runout creates a dramatic shift in this riveting clash of Australian women’s tour of India, 2023-24.
Scores
In 52 overs, Australia 219 leads India 193/3 (Smriti Mandhana 74, Shafali Verma 40, Richa Ghosh batting 24, Jemimah Ghosh batting 24; Ashleigh Gardner 1-42, Jess Jonassen 1-14).