Smriti Mandhana Makes ODI History with Fastest Knock…
Smriti Mandhana carved her name into cricketing history during the third ODI against Australia by smashing the quickest half-century ever scored by an Indian in Women’s ODIs. The left-hander stormed to her fifty in just 23 deliveries, showcasing fearless intent while chasing a daunting target of 413.
Mandhana set the tone early, punishing Megan Schutt with three consecutive fours in the third over. Despite India losing Pratika Rawal in the previous over, Mandhana took on Ashleigh Gardner with a six and a boundary. In the sixth over, she dominated Kim Garth with back-to-back fours and later a six. She eventually brought up her landmark fifty with a boundary off Gardner on the last ball of the seventh over.
India’s run chase, however, remains a monumental challenge. With Harleen Deol dismissed for 11 off 14, Mandhana was joined by skipper Harmanpreet Kaur, who brings plenty of experience as India attempts to mount a comeback. Earlier, Pratika Rawal had contributed 10 from 12 balls. With the series tied 1-1, this game will decide the winner.
Mooney’s blazing 138 powers Australia
Australia’s Beth Mooney played a breathtaking knock, hammering 138 runs off just 75 deliveries at a strike rate of 184. Her innings featured 23 boundaries and a six. The visitors got off to a flying start through captain Alyssa Healy and Georgia Voll, who put up 43 runs for the opening wicket in 4.2 overs before Healy departed for 30 off 18.
Voll narrowly missed out on a century, falling for 81 off 68, while Ellyse Perry chipped in with a crucial 68 off 72. Perry and Mooney stitched together a 106-run stand for the third wicket that kept India under pressure throughout. For the hosts, Arundhati Reddy picked up three wickets, but none of the bowlers managed to contain Australia’s scoring rate, with every one of them conceding more than six runs per over.
