Australia clinches series as Mandhana’s century goes in vain in Delhi run-fest

Mandhana’s record ton in vain as Australia seal series in Delhi run-fest.

Smriti Mandhana’s record-breaking century went in vain as India fell short by 43 runs against Australia in the high-scoring third ODI on September 20 at Arun Jaitley Stadium, Delhi. Mandhana became the fastest Indian woman to score an ODI hundred, reaching the milestone in just 50 balls, finishing with 125 off 63 deliveries, including 17 fours and five sixes.

Despite her blazing innings, India couldn’t chase Australia’s mammoth total of 413, getting all out for 369 in 47 overs. Kim Garth (3/69) and Megan Schutt (2/53) were the pick of the Australian bowlers. The win gave Australia a 2-1 series triumph.

Mandhana and captain Harmanpreet Kaur (52 off 35) shared a 121-run stand off 69 balls for the third wicket, putting India in a strong position. However, Garth’s crucial dismissal of Harmanpreet broke the partnership. Mandhana was soon out, caught by Ashleigh Gardner, and India slipped to 216/4, needing 197 from 173 balls.

Deepti Sharma’s resilient 72 off 58 kept India in the hunt, supported by Sneh Rana (35 off 41), but Australia cleaned up the tail to seal victory.

Earlier, Beth Mooney’s explosive 138 off 75 balls, aided by Georgia Voll (81) and Ellyse Perry (68), propelled Australia to 412, their joint highest ODI total. For India, Arundhati Reddy (3/86), Renuka Singh (2/79) and Deepti Sharma (2/75) were the top wicket-takers.