Healy Starts Final Series with Strong Performance
Alyssa Healy, who has represented Australia in 10 Tests, 123 one-day internationals, and 162 T20 matches, began her final series before retirement with an impressive half-century. Australia secured a six-wicket victory over India in the opening one-day international held at Allan Border Field in Brisbane.
Match Summary
India posted a total of 214 runs in 48.3 overs. Key contributions included Smriti Mandhana's 58 runs off 68 balls and Harmanpreet Kaur's 53 runs from 84 deliveries. Ash Gardner was the standout bowler for Australia, taking 3 wickets for 33 runs, while Megan Schutt supported with 2 wickets for 42 runs.
In response, Australia reached 217 for 4 in 38.2 overs, with Beth Mooney scoring a fluent 76 runs off 79 balls and Alyssa Healy contributing 50 runs from 70 balls as an opening batter. All-rounder Annabel Sutherland remained unbeaten on 48, sealing the victory with a six off Deepti Sharma, finishing the chase with 11.4 overs to spare in the day-night match.
Looking Ahead
The final two matches of the series will take place in Hobart on Friday and Sunday.
Context and Reactions
Australia's recent defeat by India in the T20 series marked their first home loss in nine years. This added pressure to the team’s performance in the ODI series opener.
"A little bit was put on us about how we were going to bounce back," said Healy. "To come out and play the way we did today was clinical. I'm proud of the group."
India’s innings also featured a notable 43 runs from Kashvee Gautam batting at number eight.
