India Crush Australia by 102 Runs to Level ODI Series and End Eight-Match Losing Streak

The Indian women’s cricket team produced a commanding performance to defeat Australia by 102 runs on Wednesday at the New PCA Stadium in New Chandigarh, levelling the three-match ODI series 1-1 and snapping a long-standing losing streak against the world champions.

This landmark victory ended India’s eight-match drought against the Aussies, dating back to their last win on September 26, 2021, at the Great Barrier Reef Arena in Mackay. It also brought Australia’s 13-match winning streak in One-Day Internationals to a dramatic halt — a run that had remained unbroken since February 2024.

In a game that will be remembered as one of India’s finest ODI wins, the Women in Blue posted a mammoth total of 292 — their highest ever against Australia in the format. Leading from the front was opener Smriti Mandhana, who registered her 12th ODI century with a fluent and authoritative innings, setting the tone for a strong total.

After being comprehensively beaten by eight wickets in the series opener, India came into this match under pressure. However, the response was nothing short of emphatic. The batters laid a solid foundation, and the bowlers, backed by a sharp and disciplined fielding unit, responded with clinical execution.

The bowling attack received a crucial boost with the return of Renuka Singh Thakur, who made an immediate impact by providing the first breakthrough. From there, the Indian bowlers maintained pressure, regularly chipping away at the Australian batting line-up, who crumbled under scoreboard pressure.

This loss marked Australia’s heaviest defeat in women’s ODI history in terms of runs — a rare blot on their otherwise dominant record in the format. It also sets up a thrilling series decider as both teams prepare for the third and final ODI, which carries significant momentum heading into the Women’s World Cup later this month.

India’s captain Harmanpreet Kaur will be buoyed by the performance, which showed depth, intent, and execution across all departments. With the final match looming, India will look to build on this resounding win and carry confidence into the global tournament.

The stage is now perfectly set for a high-stakes finale between two of the top sides in women’s cricket.