With the series levelled at 1-1, India and Australia women are set to clash with each other in the third and final ODI, set to be held on Saturday at Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi. Both sides will be aiming to clinch the series and assert their dominance ahead of the ODI World Cup looming just weeks away. 

The series has had its fair share of twists and turns. In the first ODI, Australia thrashed India in a commanding performance that left India chasing shadows. Australia’s seasoned campaigners Phoebe Litchfield, Beth Mooney and Annabel Sutherland led them to a comfortable victory, placing the pressure firmly on India heading into the second game.

However, Indian team showed immense character in the second ODI, sealing a massive 102-run win. They bounced back in style, levelling the series with a spectacular performance from Smriti Mandhana that saw them overpower Australia. India's victory was transpired by a masterclass from Smriti Mandhana, whose 12th ODI century powered India to 292 after they were asked to bat. Indian bowlers also performed elegantly, bowling Australia out for 190 in 40.5 overs. Bowlers Renuka Thakur and Deepti Sharma piled the pressure on Australia, claiming three and two wickets, respectively. Other Indian bowlers, Sneh Rana, Arundhati Reddy, Radha Yadav, and Renuka Singh Thakur, showed immense character and resilience, taking one wicket each and helping India topple Australia. 

Now, for India, a victory would not only secure them the series but also provide a massive confidence boost ahead of the World Cup. India will also aim for their first-ever bilateral ODI series win against. For Australia, a series win would further cement their dominance in women’s cricket. 

Head-to-head

Matches: 58

India women won: 11

Australia women won: 47

No result: 0

India likely XI: Smriti Mandhana, Pratika Rawal, Harleen Deol, Harmanpreet Kaur (c), Deepti Sharma, Richa Ghosh (wk), Sneh Rana, Arundhati Reddy, Radha Yadav, Renuka Singh Thakur, Kranti Goud

Australia likely XI: Alyssa Healy (c&wk), Georgia Voll, Ellyse Perry, Beth Mooney, Annabel Sutherland, Ashleigh Gardner, Tahlia McGrath, Georgia Wareham, Alana King, Darcie Brown, Megan Schutt