The highly anticipated India Women’s tour of Australia started with a strong performance from the home team at the Gabba on Tuesday (February 24, 2026). In what is an emotional farewell series for the iconic Alyssa Healy, the Australian captain, along with Player of the Match Beth Mooney, led the team to a convincing 6-wicket win in the first Day/Night ODI. Despite India being the reigning World Champions, Australia showed their dominance by chasing down a target of 215 with 70 balls to spare.
The atmosphere in Brisbane was lively as crowds gathered for the opening match of this crucial series. However, the Indian team faced significant challenges against a strong Australian bowling lineup that effectively used the humid conditions under the lights.
Australia’s disciplined attack limits Indian batting
The match began poorly for the World Champions. Opting to bat first, India immediately struggled as Megan Schutt dismissed Pratika Rawal lbw for a duck in the first over. While veteran player Smriti Mandhana managed a solid 58 off 68 balls, featuring nine boundaries, she lacked support from her teammates. Australia’s bowlers, led by Ashleigh Gardner (3/33) and Annabel Sutherland (3/20), effectively dismantled India’s middle order.
India’s captain Harmanpreet Kaur fought hard, scoring a determined 53 off 84 balls. Her half-century, along with contributions from Deepti Sharma (24) and Richa Ghosh (23), helped India reach 214 runs. However, the lack of acceleration in the later stages of the innings proved costly, as India was all out in 48.3 overs. The Australian bowlers maintained pressure throughout the innings, preventing India’s batters from settling in, setting up an easy chase.
Healy and Mooney lead Australia to a solid win
The chase was characterized by experience and steadiness. Captain Healy, playing her final International series, aimed to end on a high note. She scored a pivotal 50 off 70 balls, laying a strong foundation. Although India’s Shree Charani briefly raised hopes by taking two quick wickets, leaving Australia at 55/2, the recovery was swift.
Beth Mooney joined Healy and showcased impressive batting skills. Mooney, named Player of the Match, scored 76 off 79 balls, hitting five fours and two sixes. Her ability to rotate the strike helped maintain a scoring rate of over five runs per over, effectively diminishing the Indian bowlers’ morale. By the time Mooney got out in the 37th over, victory for Australia was imminent.
Annabel Sutherland finished off the innings with an unbeaten 48, allowing Australia to reach 217/4 in 38.2 overs. This win tied the multiformat series at 4-4, sending a strong message that even though India holds the World Title, Australia remains a formidable team at home.
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