If you thought ODI cricket was running out of fireworks, India and Australia just served up a reminder that women’s cricket is only getting bigger, louder, and bolder. A decider in Delhi turned into a run-fest for the ages, with both teams lighting up the scoreboard like it was a World Cup final dress rehearsal. Smriti Mandhana’s blistering century, Beth Mooney’s career-best ton, and a mountain of runs left fans gasping for breath—and maybe wondering if bowlers even exist anymore. This wasn’t just another series finale; it felt like a preview of the chaos we’re about to witness at the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025.
When Records Became Casual
Beth Mooney’s 138 wasn’t just a century; it was a statement. The Aussie opener batted like Delhi traffic—chaotic for anyone caught in it, but unstoppable in its own flow. Partnering with Ellyse Perry (68) and Georgia Voll (81), she dragged Australia to 412, their joint-highest ODI total ever. For context, this is the same tally they smacked way back in 1997 against Denmark—proof that the Aussies have been breaking records before TikTok was even a thing.
India, though, wasn’t just there to watch. Mandhana responded with her second successive century of the series, reaching three figures faster than any Indian woman ever has in ODI cricket. It also ended up being the second-fastest ton in Women’s ODI history. Her 125-run knock gave India’s chase serious teeth, and for a brief moment, the impossible 413 targets looked within reach. The stat sheet may say India fell 43 short, but records will remember this clash as one where both sides casually redefined what “big totals” look like in women’s cricket.
The Middle-Order Glue
We all enjoy the big scores and the stories those scores tell, but what Deepti Sharma and Harmanpreet Kaur came together to accomplish on Friday, completely under the radar and in the press box, was just as valuable. At 176 for 2 with Mandhana back in the hut, this chase could have collapsed. Deepti’s ash of 72 with Harmanpreet’s 52 provided the middle-order steel that has been absent.
Their 121-run partnership was about runs, although it did ultimately get them over the line, but it was about intent. India showed they can have stability in addition to opening fireworks, depth, and most of all, balance. That’s what separates a good side from a side capable of winning the whole thing.
More Than Just Runs
Sure, the scorecards look amazing, but this game was about much more than just fours and sixes. It was proof of a leap forward for the women’s game. Ten years ago, 250+ chases seemed concerning. Now, teams are almost treating 300 as par. India’s premise of chasing down 413 – even if they didn’t get there – is such a cultural moment. No fear, no settling. Just pure faith.
So, here’s the real question: when the Women’s World Cup kicks off, will Australia continue their dominance—or is India finally ready to flip the script?
FAQs
- What was the highest score in the India vs Australia ODI series decider?
Australia posted 412, their joint-highest total in Women’s ODI history.
- Who scored centuries in the India vs Australia ODI match in Delhi?
Beth Mooney (138) for Australia and Smriti Mandhana (125) for India smashed centuries.
- What record did Smriti Mandhana break in this match?
She scored the fastest-ever century for India Women in ODIs and the second-fastest in Women’s ODI history.
