Hopes of a historic series win Down Under were dashed for India as Australia delivered a masterclass in the second ODI, thrashing the visitors by 122 runs on Sunday at the Allan Border Field. Far from the gritty comeback fans were longing for, the match turned into a one-sided affair with the hosts asserting complete dominance to clinch the three-match series 2-0.
Perry and Voll: A Scintillating Show
The story of the day revolved around two Australian batters at opposite ends of their career spectrums. Ellyse Perry, the seasoned maestro, smashed a breathtaking 105 off just 75 balls, studded with seven fours and six sixes. At the other end, Georgia Voll, fresh from her debut, played with the confidence of a veteran, hammering 101 off 87 balls with 12 boundaries. Together, the duo set the field ablaze, taking apart the Indian bowling attack and lifting Australia to a mammoth 371/8 – the highest total ever scored against India in women’s ODIs.
The carnage began with Phoebe Litchfield (60 off 53 balls), who, along with Voll, laid a rock-solid foundation with a blistering 130-run opening stand. Perry and Voll then took over, combining elegance and aggression to demoralize the Indian bowlers, who struggled to find answers on a flat deck.
India’s Shaky Response
Chasing 372 was always going to be a daunting task, and India’s reply faltered from the outset. While Richa Ghosh (54) and Jemimah Rodrigues (43) tried to mount a fightback, their efforts were dwarfed by Australia’s clinical bowling. Annabel Sutherland (4/38) led the charge, dismantling the Indian middle order and ensuring no miracle would save the visitors. India folded for 249 in the 45th over, falling 122 runs short of the target.
Fielding Woes and Lessons to Learn
India’s sloppy fielding didn’t help their cause, with four dropped catches – two of which gave Perry a lifeline she didn’t need. This, coupled with toothless bowling barring a few bright spells from Deepti Sharma and Saima Thakor (3/63), painted a grim picture for the visitors.
Perth Awaits
If India are to avoid a clean sweep in the third ODI at Perth on December 11, they’ll need nothing short of a miracle. The Amol Muzumdar-coached side must regroup quickly, address their glaring shortcomings, and bring their A-game to the table – or risk returning home empty-handed.
Brief Scores:
Australia: 371/8 in 50 overs (Ellyse Perry 105, Georgia Voll 101, Phoebe Litchfield 60; Saima Thakor 3/62)
India: 249 all out in 44.5 overs (Richa Ghosh 54, Jemimah Rodrigues 43; Annabel Sutherland 4/38).