When Australia Women posted a jaw‑dropping 412/10 at the New Delhi stadium on September 20, 2025, the cricket world held its breath. The series‑deciding third Women’s One Day International of the Australia Women in India, 3 ODI Series, 2025New Delhi ended with a 43‑run win for the visitors, handing them the series 2‑1.
Why the match mattered
Both sides entered the game on a knife‑edge. Australia had clinched the first ODI, while India rallied to level the series in the second, setting up a winner‑takes‑all finale. A victory would not only secure silverware but also boost pre‑World Cup momentum for the contenders. Fans in New Delhi hoped for a historic chase; the target of 413 would have eclipsed the existing women’s ODI record if India could pull it off.
Explosive innings from the opening trio
Australia’s top order exploded early. Beth Mooney, opening batter, hammered 138 runs off just 75 balls – her fourth WODI century – peppering the boundary with 15 fours and 9 sixes. Behind her, Alyssa Healy added a swift 71, while Ashleigh Gardner contributed 57. Their partnership of 210 runs in the first 24 overs set a relentless pace, leaving the Indian bowlers scrambling.
Mandhana’s record‑shattering blaze
India’s answer came in the form of captain Smriti Mandhana, who also captain of India Women. On just 50 balls, she raced to her 125‑run knock, marking the second‑fastest century in women’s ODIs and the quickest ever by an Indian player, eclipsing Virat Kohli’s 52‑ball feat. Her strike‑rate of 200+ stunned the crowd and put India within striking distance, but her dismissal at 125 left the team wobbling.
Middle‑order resistance and the eventual collapse
After Mandhana’s wicket fell at 201/2, the middle order – spearheaded by Deepti Sharma (72 off 58) and Sneh Rana (35 off 41) – stitched a 65‑run eighth‑wicket stand that briefly revived hopes. Yet, once Sharma was caught at 349, the required run rate surged beyond reach. India’s lower‑order fell cheaply, with only Kranti Goud and Renuka Singh adding a handful of runs before the innings wrapped up at 369/10 after 47 overs.
Reactions from the boardroom and the dugout
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) released a statement praising the "historic effort" of Mandhana but lamenting the missed opportunities after her dismissal. Australian captain Meg Lanning lauded her side’s “batting masterclass”, highlighting how the 412 total reflected depth across the lineup. Former India coach Ravi Shastri noted that the team’s lack of death‑overs experience cost them dearly.
Statistical takeaway
- Australia Women’s 412/10 is their joint‑highest ever ODI total.
- Mandhana’s 125 came off 63 balls – the second‑fastest century in women’s ODIs.
- India’s chase of 413 would have set a new world‑record run chase if successful.
- Two umpire reviews were used by each side; Australia’s final review at 40.4 overs was denied, leaving India with one review left.
- Extras contributed 20 runs (19 wides, 1 bye).
What’s next for the two squads?
Both boards have hinted at a follow‑up series later in the 2025‑26 season, likely featuring a mix of ODIs and T20s as part of the ICC Women’s Championship calendar. The next meeting could be crucial for World Cup qualification points, especially for India, who now sit second behind Australia in the standings. In the meantime, Australia will head back to Melbourne for a T20 tri‑series, while India will focus on a domestic women’s league that runs through November.
Historical context – Australia’s dominance in recent years
Since 2019, Australia Women have captured three ICC Women’s World Cups and held the top spot in the ICC rankings. Their aggressive top‑order strategy, epitomised by Mooney’s 138, reflects a shift toward power‑hitting that mirrors the men’s game. India, meanwhile, has been rebuilding after a disappointing World Cup exit in 2022, investing heavily in youth development and the Women’s Premier League, which debuted in 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does the 43‑run loss affect India’s World Cup qualification chances?
India remains second in the ICC Women’s Championship, just a few points behind Australia. The loss means they must win most of their remaining series and hope Australia slips in upcoming fixtures to keep their qualification hopes alive.
What record did Smriti Mandhana break during the match?
Mandhana became the fastest Indian player to reach a one‑day international century, doing it in just 50 balls – beating Virat Kohli’s previous Indian record of 52 balls.
Why was Australia’s 412 total considered historic?
At 412/10, it matched the team’s highest ever ODI score and marked the first time a women’s side crossed the 400‑run threshold in a 50‑over match, underscoring the growing power‑hitting trend in women’s cricket.
Who are the key players Australia might rely on in the upcoming T20 tri‑series?
Beth Mooney, Alyssa Healy, and Ashleigh Gardner will spearhead the batting, while bowlers like Megan Schutt and Jess Jonassen are expected to lead the attack. Their all‑round depth gives Australia a clear edge.
What lessons did India’s coaching staff say they will take from the defeat?
Coach Ravi Shastri emphasized the need for better death‑over strategies and smarter use of the review system, noting that the team’s aggressive chase faltered once the top order fell quick‑fire wickets.
