Sutherland five-for checks India charge against Aussies
Ian Chadband |
Annabel Sutherland’s five-wicket haul has helped Australia check India’s formidable charge in their World Cup clash — but the champions were still faced with a world-record chase after more batting brilliance from Smriti Mandhana in Visakhapatnam.
The world’s No.1 ODI batter Mandhana was in majestic mood again after India had been put in by Alyssa Healy, the elegant left-handed opener striking her fifth successive score of 50 or more against Australia this year.
Mandhana’s dazzling 80 off 66 balls was strongly supported by youngster Pratika Rawal (75 off 96) as they put on 155 in the first half of the innings to put Australia quickly on the rack.
But in the midst of the run-fest, with the Aussie spinners taking an early battering, Sutherland led the resistance, her quicker fare bringing her 5-40 and helping Healy’s side repair the early damage as India lost their last six wickets for 36 when looking in shape to rack up a massive total.
As it was, useful contributions from Harleen Deol (38 off 42), Jemimah Rodrigues (33 off 21) and Richa Ghosh (32 off 22) amid India’s 330 all out still ensured Australia would have to pull off the biggest successful chase in the history of women’s ODIs if they are to win a 12th straight completed World Cup match.
Sutherland kept chipping away with the key wickets of Rawal, Rodrigues and Ghosh, before finishing the innings with two wickets in the 49th over.
Slow left-armer Molineux also made a good comeback after taking some early stick, getting the key wicket of Mandhana and finishing with 3-75 off her 10 overs.
Mandhana, who’s scored three centuries this year against the Aussies, became the first woman batter to make 1000 runs in a calendar year in ODIs, and also smashed Kim Garth over extra-cover for six to bring up her 5000 ODI runs, the youngest and quickest player to the landmark.
AAP
