Mandhana, bowlers power India to series-levelling win against Australia in 2nd womens ODI
Smriti Mandhana's superb century and a disciplined performance by the bowlers helped India beat Australia by 102 runs in the second women's ODI in Mullanpur.
New Delhi: Opener Smriti Mandhana hit a stylish century as India hammered Australia by 102 runs in the second women's ODI to level the three-match series 1-1 in Mullanpur, Punjab, on Wednesday.
Sent in to bat, the graceful left-hander smashed his 12th century and finished with a 91-ball 117 at the top of the order. Deepti Sharma (40), Richa Ghosh (29), Pratika Rawal (25) and Sneh Rana (24) - all made useful contributions as India posted a formidable total of 292.
In reply, Australia were bundled out for 190 in 40.5 overs after a superb bowling display by the Indians. Ellyse Perry (44) and Annabel Sutherland (45) were the only useful contributors with the bat for the visitors. Both batters would be disappointed for not capitalising on the starts.
For India, Kranti Goud (3/28) and Deepti Sharma (2/24) were top wicket-takers.
For Australia, Darcie Brown (3/42) was the pick of the bowlers while Ashleigh Gardner (2/39), Megan Schutt (1/46), Annabel Sutherland (1/58) and Tahlia McGrath (1/20) all chipped in with wickets.
Classy Mandhana leads the way
Earlier, Mandhana lit up the Mullanpur stadium with a delightful century. The classy batter completed the milestone in just 77 balls, slamming the second-fastest century for India.
Mandhana also holds the record for the fastest century, which she hit against Ireland in Rajkot off 70 balls earlier this year. With 12 tons, Mandhana is joint-third along with England's Tammy Beaumont in the list of most centuries in women's ODI cricket. Meg Lanning (15) and Suzie Bates (13) sit in the top two positions.
Mandhana was eventually dismissed by Tahlia McGrath in the 33rd over of the match for 117 off 91 balls. She combined expertly with Pratika Rawal (25) for a 70-run stand for the first wicket. The former India captain was named Player of the Match for his superb knock.
India's win in the second ODI, followed by Australia's eight-wicket victory in the opening match, sets up the series for a thrilling finale on September 20 in New Delhi.