New Delhi : In the 3rd ODI India match, former cricketer Beth Mooney said it wasn’t a surprise that India came out blazing, reflecting their strong lineup and consistent form.
However, Australia, true to their reputation as world champions, struck at regular intervals to halt India’s charge and won the match by 43 runs, taking the ODI series 2–1. Mooney, who scored a blistering 138 earlier, added that India’s aggressive start was expected.
“It was a good game of ODI cricket. When you chase that many runs, you can only go one way. So it wasn’t a surprise to me that they played like that,” Mooney said.
She added, “There were a few chances that we couldn’t seize, but that’s how the game goes sometimes. From a fan’s perspective, it was an amazing match to watch.”
India’s Smriti Mandhana thrilled the crowd with her powerful shots. Meanwhile, Australia faced pressure from misfields and mistakes. When Harmanpreet Kaur took a brief break due to injury, Australia regrouped and struck at the right moments to secure victory.
“We know Smriti has played aggressively throughout the series. She’s a classy player and has been amazing for India. From our side, it was about staying composed and waiting for chances,” Mooney explained.
Australia also showcased their bounceback ability after losing the second ODI by 102 runs in New Chandigarh. Mooney said, “We make mistakes sometimes, but our style of play remained strong. We stayed composed and adapted when needed.”
On a flat pitch and quick outfield, Mooney hit 23 fours and a six in her career-best knock, keeping Australia in control. She noted, “You had to make hay while the sun shines. Once you got in, you had to go large. The flat pitch rewarded aggressive batting.”
The match highlighted the possibilities in women’s ODIs ahead of the World Cup. “It shows what’s possible with the right tempo and mindset. Hopefully, not every game will be so flat, but it’s a great spectacle for the women’s game,” Mooney concluded.
–IANS
