If cricket is a festival, India brought the full carnival to New Chandigarh, with Smriti Mandhana as the headliner. The second ODI against Australia wasn’t just a win; it was a statement: brash, polished, a bit historic. If you like big scores, bicycle-stand hundreds, or just one hundred percent team effort, this match had it all on a platter. Even the neutral spectators had to smile.
Mandhana’s masterclass
Mandhana did more than just accumulate runs: she made a statement. To compile a century off 77 balls and finish with 117 off 91 was unparalleled timing and variety, and this century was a collection of 12 ODIs centuries — unbelievable for any opener. The way she changed gears, created space, and punished anything loose in length made it look easy, all while the scoreboard was rapidly ticking on. For younger batters watching, it was a masterclass in how to combine textbook technique with extraordinary intent, and that you can be in form with style.
Team effort and the big total
The 292 scored by India felt like more than just a number; it was a platform for dominance. That number is the second-highest a team has ever made against Australia in Women’s ODIs, and it put scoreboard pressure on an Australian batting unit typically known for its precision. When the bowlers stepped up to the challenge, the chase became decidedly tame – wickets regularly, and disciplined lines began the transition from a good day with the bat to a historic dismantling. Edgy bits of fielding and sharp returns in the field also played their part in closing the door.
Breaking streaks and rewriting history
The 102-run margin is not just big, it is historic. It is the largest loss Australia has ever suffered by runs in ODIs, and it ended more than a match; it ended a long period of Australian dominance in India, India’s losing streak against Australia. Events like this don’t happen very often: they shift narratives, provide belief, and create talking points that remain long after the pitches have been swept. For India, this is a motivator for the season ahead.
What it means for India and the World Cup buzz
In addition to trophies and headlines, performances of this nature do valuable work. They build confidence in the team, justify selection decisions, and provide legitimate reasons for the coaching group to experiment enthusiastically. For Mandhana, the ton adds credence to her status as one of the modern greats, and it consolidates her reputation as one of the most threatening openers on the women’s contemporary circuit. For fans, it serves as a reminder that India can deliver consecutive explosive home days that count and that momentum can arrive quickly and ferociously.
New Chandigarh provided some entertainment — Mandhana provided the intensity, and the team provided the restraint. Records were checked off, pride was restored, and the series is now excitingly set up. So what’s next for Australia, and how will India weather this positive momentum? If you’re a fan, get ready for a few more stories in this series. Have your say in the comments section about your favourite moment from the match — were you on team Mandhana or team ‘madness’ and why?
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