Women’s World Cup 2025: With the 2025 ICC Women’s ODI World Cup set to be hosted on home soil, the expectations for Team India are sky-high. In a thrilling preview of what could be a tournament-defining clash, the Indian batting lineup put on a spectacular show against arch-rivals Australia, amassing a colossal total of 330 runs. This powerful performance sends a clear message to all competing nations: the Women in Blue are here to dominate.
Table of Contents
Smriti Mandhana’s Masterclass Century
The foundation of this mammoth total was laid by the elegant left-handed opener, Smriti Mandhana. She was in sublime form from the very first ball, piercing the field with her signature cover drives and pulling with authority. Mandhana orchestrated a breathtaking innings, reaching her century in style and going on to score a magnificent 120. Her knock was a perfect blend of grace and aggression, dismantling the famed Australian bowling attack and setting the stage for a massive score. Her innings not only provided the bulk of the runs but also gave the middle order the freedom to play their natural game.
Middle-Order Mayhem Led by Harmanpreet and Jemimah
Following Mandhana’s departure, the momentum was expertly carried forward by captain Harmanpreet Kaur and the ever-reliable Jemimah Rodrigues. Harmanpreet, known for her explosive hitting, played a captain’s knock, scoring a quick-fire half-century that accelerated the run rate significantly in the death overs. She was ably supported by Jemimah, whose calculated aggression and clever shot placement ensured there was no collapse. Together, they stitched a crucial partnership that pushed India well beyond the 300-run mark, a psychological milestone against a team like Australia.
Here’s a quick look at the top contributors to India’s massive score:
| Player | Runs Scored | Key Contribution |
|---|---|---|
| Smriti Mandhana | 120 | Set the foundation with a stunning century |
| Harmanpreet Kaur | 65 | Aggressive fifty to boost the run rate |
| Jemimah Rodrigues | 58 | Crucial half-century to stabilize the innings |
The Australian Challenge
Chasing a daunting target of 331, Australia’s powerful batting lineup, featuring stalwarts like Ellyse Perry and Beth Mooney, was put to the ultimate test. While the Australian side is known for its ability to chase down any total, the pressure exerted by the huge score and the spin-friendly Indian conditions made it a nail-biting contest. The Indian bowlers, backed by a roaring home crowd, would have their work cut out for them to defend this total.
This commanding batting display serves as a powerful statement of intent. As hosts of the 2025 World Cup, Team India has demonstrated the firepower and depth required to go all the way and lift the coveted trophy in front of their home fans.