Watch: Smriti Mandhana gets out attempting a sweep shot after fifty in India vs Australia Women's 1st ODI at Allan Border Field

The 1st ODI between the India women's national cricket team and the Australia women's national cricket team witnessed another classy knock from Smriti Mandhana at Allan Border Field. The Indian opener reached her fifty in 56 balls, continuing her impressive form on the tour with back-to-back ODI half-centuries following her match-winning performance in the third T20I. Although she started cautiously and looked slightly streaky early in the innings, Mandhana gradually adapted to the pitch bounce and displayed her trademark elegant stroke play.

Once settled, Mandhana appeared in excellent control, timing the ball beautifully and finding boundaries with confidence. Her innings built momentum for India during a crucial phase of the match as she handled Australia’s disciplined bowling attack. However, the breakthrough came unexpectedly when she attempted a sweep shot against a slower delivery from around the wicket. The extra bounce and reduced pace disrupted her balance, leading to a mistimed shot.

Mandhana was eventually dismissed for 58 off 68 balls, caught by Alana King and bowled by Tahlia McGrath. The wicket became a key turning point as it handed Australia their most significant breakthrough of the innings, ending a promising knock that had looked set for a bigger score. Fans will remember the innings for Mandhana’s elegance, resilience, and strong start against a high-quality Australian attack.

Watch Mandhana’s out video here:

The Indian team struggles early in the innings

The Indian women's national cricket team had a poor start while batting first. Pratika Rawal was dismissed without opening her account, and Shafali Verma, promoted to number three, also failed to settle at the crease. Later, Jemimah Rodrigues lost her wicket, leaving star batter Smriti Mandhana to stabilize the innings. Despite the early collapse, Mandhana took responsibility and started rebuilding India’s batting effort.

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Mandhana records 11th fifty-plus score against Australia

Smriti Mandhana showcased her class by completing a 56-ball half-century with 7 boundaries against Australia women's national cricket team. This was her 11th fifty-plus ODI score against Australia, making her the first Asian woman batter to reach such a milestone in ODIs versus Australia. Although she looked set to convert the start into a big century, she was dismissed for 58 runs off 68 balls. The wicket came when she was caught by Alana King off the bowling of Tahlia McGrath in the 24th over, after sharing a 48-run fourth-wicket partnership with Harleen Deol.

Meanwhile, star Australian pacer Mitchell Starc was seen offering commentary insights during the broadcast of the final ODI series involving Alyssa Healy, adding a personal touch to the match atmosphere.

Smriti Mandhana’s ODI Career so far

Smriti Mandhana has played 117 ODI matches, batting in 117 innings with 7 not-outs, and scoring 5322 runs in women’s ODI cricket. Her highest score is 136, maintaining an impressive average of 48.38 and a strike rate of 90.52 while facing 5879 balls. Mandhana has hit 14 centuries and 34 half-centuries, including 642 fours and 74 sixes in her ODI career. In the field, she has also taken 40 catches, reflecting her all-around contribution to the team.