Smriti Mandhana’s valiant century goes in vain as Australia-W raze India in W.A.C.A

The Indian women failed to impress as they lost a consecutive third ODI against Australia, losing the series by a 3-0 margin. Amidst the murky skies, there was a solitary silverlining for Team India as Smriti Mandhana spearheaded the Indian battery with an exquisite ton. Albeit no help from the other end, Mandhana kept on fighting India’s war almost single-handedly and came up clutch in stunning fashion. However, the might of Australia was such that it was never going to be enough.

Opening the innings with Richa Ghosh, Mandhana started on an aggressive note. Despite the fall of Ghosh, Mandhana continued and found Harleen Deol trying to build a partnership. The duo posted 118 runs for the second wicket, rekindling hopes for the Indian cricket team.

However, once Deol was back to the pavilion, Mandhana ran short of support and resorted to quicker scoring that did witness her smashing 105 from 109 balls. She whacked 14 fours and a six but was eventually undone by Ashleigh Gardner who was impressive with the bat as well, scoring 50 from just 64 balls.

India fell short of the finish line by a staggering 83 runs as they lost seven wickets for the last 26 runs, allowing Australia to raze through the Indian defiance. Annabel Sutherland was the Player of the Match for her all-round performance knitting together a crucial century and also claiming an important wicket.