India's Women Shine with Key Half-Centuries Against Australia in ODI Clash

India Sets Competitive Total in Second ODI

Hobart: In a thrilling encounter, opener Pratika Rawal scored 52 runs, while captain Harmanpreet Kaur contributed 54 runs, leading India to a formidable total of 251/9 against Australia in the second women's ODI held in Hobart on Friday.

Pratika's innings, which included six boundaries off 81 balls, set a solid foundation for the team. Harmanpreet's performance was crucial, especially after a shaky middle phase, as India seeks to level the series, currently trailing 0-1 in the three-match contest against the hosts.

Rawal and Smriti Mandhana (31) formed a strong opening partnership of 78 runs, capitalizing on favorable batting conditions. However, poor shot selection once again put India in a precarious position during the match.

Mandhana was dismissed after missing a paddle sweep, resulting in her leg-stump being hit by a delivery from Ashleigh Gardner (2/39). Jemimah Rodrigues (11) also fell victim to a loose shot outside the off-stump, caught behind off Annabel Sutherland (2/37).

Deepti Sharma (1) was caught at deep midwicket while attempting to accelerate the scoring against Alana King (2/41), who also dismissed the dangerous Richa Ghosh for 22 runs through a leg-before wicket.

Kashvee Gautam (25) played a pivotal role, forming a crucial 55-run partnership for the seventh wicket with Harmanpreet, which helped India surpass the 200-run mark.

Brief scores: India Women 251/9 in 50 overs (Pratika Rawal 52, Harmanpreet Kaur 54; Annabel Sutherland 2/37) vs Australia.