Litchfield century powers Australia to dominant 3-0 series sweep over India
Mumbai, India (January 2, 2024) – Australia completed a clinical 3-0 whitewash of the ODI series against India with a resounding 190-run victory at the Wankhede Stadium on Tuesday. The visitors were led by the brilliance of 20-year-old opener Phoebe Litchfield, who smashed her second ODI century to propel Australia to a mammoth 338/7.
Put in to bat, Litchfield and captain Alyssa Healy combined for a record-breaking 189-run opening stand, the highest ever by Australia against India in women’s ODIs. Healy departed for a well-paced 82, but Litchfield held firm, reaching her century off 125 balls with 16 fours and a six. She ended up with a magnificent 119, her innings the anchor of a commanding Australian total.
The middle order chipped in with valuable contributions, with Ashleigh Gardner (38), Annabel Sutherland (26), and Alana King (22) adding momentum in the final overs. The Indian bowlers toiled without much reward, with Deepti Sharma claiming the solitary wicket of Litchfield to reach a personal milestone of 100 ODI wickets.
In reply, India never recovered from the early blows of Megan Schutt (2/23) who dismissed Smriti Mandhana and Yastika Bhatia cheaply. Skipper Mithali Raj (36) and Harmanpreet Kaur (28) showed some resistance, but the rest of the batting line-up crumbled under the weight of the massive target. Georgia Wareham (3/23), Alana King (2/21), and Annabel Sutherland (2/9) efficiently mopped up the remaining wickets as India were bundled out for a mere 148 in 36.4 overs.
Phoebe Litchfield was deservedly named Player of the Match for her match-winning innings, while Alyssa Healy picked up the Player of the Series award for her consistent performances throughout the series. The victory marks a dominant display of Australian strength, extending their winning streak against India in ODIs to a staggering 14 matches.
India, on the other hand, will have plenty to ponder on before their next challenge, with the home T20I series against Australia starting on January 7th.
Match Stats: India vs Australia, 3rd ODI, Mumbai (January 2, 2024)
Australia (338/7 in 50 overs)
- Phoebe Litchfield: 119 (125 balls, 16 fours, 1 six)
- Alyssa Healy: 82 (85 balls, 11 fours)
- Ashleigh Gardner: 38 (29 balls, 3 fours, 1 six)
- Annabel Sutherland: 26 (18 balls, 3 fours, 1 six)
- Alana King: 22 (14 balls, 2 fours)
- Megan Schutt: 2/23 (10 overs)
- Deepti Sharma: 1/45 (10 overs)
India (148 all out in 36.4 overs)
- Mithali Raj: 36 (51 balls, 3 fours)
- Harmanpreet Kaur: 28 (38 balls, 2 fours, 1 six)
- Smriti Mandhana: 29 (24 balls, 4 fours)
- Yastika Bhatia: 6 (12 balls)
- Deepti Sharma: 100th ODI wicket (Litchfield)
- Georgia Wareham: 3/23 (7.4 overs)
- Alana King: 2/21 (8 overs)
- Annabel Sutherland: 2/9 (4.4 overs)
Result: Australia won by 190 runs
Player of the Match: Phoebe Litchfield (Australia)
Player of the Series: Alyssa Healy (Australia)
Series Result: Australia won 3-0
Other noteworthy stats:
- Phoebe Litchfield’s century was her second in ODIs.
- Alyssa Healy reached 4,000 ODI runs during her innings.
- Deepti Sharma became the fourth Indian bowler to reach 100 ODI wickets.
- Australia’s total of 338/7 was their highest against India in ODIs.
- India’s loss marked their 14th consecutive defeat to Australia in ODIs.
