IND vs AUS Women 1st ODI: India endured a setback in the opening ODI against Australia at the Gabba in Brisbane. Smriti Mandhana and captain Harmanpreet Kaur registered half-centuries, but the Indian bowling unit failed to contain the aggressive Australian lineup.

Australia clinched the contest by six wickets, gaining a 1-0 advantage in the three-match series. The loss came as a surprise for the Indian women’s team, especially after their recent 2-1 triumph in the T20I series.

India skipper Harmanpreet Kaur won the toss and chose to bat first. However, the innings began on a disappointing note as opener Pratika Rawal was dismissed for a duck. Shortly afterward, Shafali Verma (4) and Jemimah Rodrigues (8) also departed cheaply. Smriti Mandhana scored 58 runs, while Harmanpreet Kaur contributed 53, emerging as the leading scorers for the visitors. The pair stitched together a valuable fourth-wicket partnership to stabilize the innings. Despite their efforts, India struggled again after Mandhana’s exit. The team was eventually bowled out for 214 runs in 48.3 overs, with Kasvi Gautam adding a useful 43 runs toward the end.

In pursuit of a 215-run target, Australia made a confident start through openers Alyssa Healy and Phoebe Litchfield. Healy compiled a solid 50, reaching her half-century. Beth Mooney played a match-winning innings of 76 runs, anchoring the chase. Annabelle Sutherland sealed the victory with a six, guiding Australia home with 70 balls remaining.

Among the Indian bowlers, N.R. Sri Charani claimed two wickets, while Kranti Goud picked up one.