In what began as a high-stakes Super Six encounter at Vizag, Smriti Mandhana produced an audacious and electric knock of 80 off just 66 balls to propel India to a spectacular total of 330 all out, setting Australia a monumental target of 331 to win. Smriti Mandhana‘s innings, laced with timing and flair, carved out a platform on which the rest of the Indian batting lineup built their assault.
Although Australia chased it down, Mandhana’s display lit up the match and ensured India began their Super Six stage in emphatic fashion, showcasing her unmatched temperament, fearless stroke play, and ability to dominate world-class bowlers on the biggest stage.
India’s Batting Explodes: Smriti Mandhana Leads the Charge
Sent into bat, India’s task was daunting—but they tackled it with aggression from the start. Smriti Mandhana, coming in after the fall of an early wicket, moved swiftly to take control. She scooped, drove, and whipped boundaries at will, collecting 9 fours and 3 sixes in her brilliant knock. Her strike rate hovered around 121, reflecting a perfect blend of aggression and control.
She found a potent partner in Pratika Rawal (75 off 96), and together they mounted a record breaking opening stand of 155 runs. Their partnership laid the essential foundation, allowing India’s middle and lower order to exploit the momentum. Smriti Mandhana’s dominance over Australia’s bowlers was stark she feasted especially on the spinners, stepping out, lofting, piercing gaps, and refusing to surrender control.
Once her dismissal came, India didn’t collapse. Harleen Deol (38) and Jemimah Rodrigues (33) added crucial impetus, while Richa Ghosh (32) and Amanjot Kaur (16) provided late thrust. Extras—24 in total, including 13 wides also added to the tally, as India reached a mammoth 330 in 48.5 overs.
Smriti Mandhana’s Knock: Power, Poise & Promise
Smriti Mandhana’s 80 was more than just a high score it was a statement. Coming in at a critical juncture, she thwarted Australia’s initial breakthroughs and forced them to change plans. She attacked spin early, stepped out against the seamers, and controlled the narrative.
Her innings also demonstrated her hunger for big totals splitting the field, rotating strike smartly, and punishing anything loose. It was the kind of knock that sets the tone for a massive total, and India would not have reached 330 without her aggressive backbone.
Australia’s Response: Healy’s Heroics Trump Mandhana’s Fire
Chasing 331, Australia’s reply would become the stuff of legend. Alyssa Healy smashed a breathtaking 142 off 107 balls, with 21 fours and 3 sixes, anchoring a chase that would go down in women’s ODI history.
Healy’s assault was supported by Phoebe Litchfield’s 40 off 39, and the makeshift middle and lower order held firm. India’s bowlers, including Shree Charani (3/41) and Deepti Sharma (2/52), attempted to claw their way back but could not withstand Australia’s determined fight.
While Australia’s chase and especially Alyssa Healy’s heroic century stole the headlines in the end, Smriti Mandhana’s fiery 80 laid the blueprint for India’s onslaught. It turned an ordinarily competitive total into a mammoth one, challenged Australia’s attack, and defined the match’s early tempo.
Her commanding stroke play and fearless approach reflected India’s new intent in major tournaments bold, attacking, and unrelenting. In a game remembered for records and heroics, Smriti Mandhana’s knock remains the spark that ignited India’s innings and set the tone for their campaign ahead.