Australia, the old guard, are one win away from clinching the ODI leg of this multi-format tour, fuelled by the sentimental energy of Alyssa Healy’s farewell series. But standing in their way is a “New India”, the reigning World Champions who already shocked the hosts by snatching the T20I trophy 2-1 just last week. For Harmanpreet Kaur’s side, this isn’t just a game; it’s a do-or-die mission to prove that their World Cup triumph wasn’t an outlier, but a true changing of the guard.
With the Hobart clouds likely to assist the swing of Megan Schutt and Renuka Singh Thakur, we are set for a tactical masterclass in a series that is currently balanced on a knife-edge.
The series opener in Brisbane was a testament to Australian clinical efficiency. Despite half-centuries from Smriti Mandhana (58) and Harmanpreet (53), India’s innings stalled at 214. Australia chased it down with 70 balls to spare, fueled by a vintage Beth Mooney (76) and a gritty Alyssa Healy (50) in her farewell ODI series.
For India, the loss was compounded by a knee injury to skipper Harmanpreet during her knock. However, the latest word from the camp via Deepti Sharma is that the captain is “fit and fine” and expected to lead the side tomorrow.
AUS-W vs IND-W, 2nd ODI: Match Details
- Date and Time: February 27; 09:20 am IST/ 03:50 am GMT/ 2:50 pm Local
- Venue: Bellerive Oval, Hobart
AUS-W vs IND-W Head-to-Head Record in ODIs
Matches played: 62 | Australia Women won: 50 | India Women won: 12
Bellerive Oval Pitch Report
The Bellerive Oval surface is a balanced deck that traditionally offers a fascinating game of two halves. In the initial 10–15 overs, the open nature of the ground and the proximity to the Derwent River allow seamers to find significant swing and nip-back. However, once the lacquer wears off, the pitch settles into a batting-friendly paradise with true bounce, rewarding stroke-makers who play with horizontal-bat shots. Spinners might find some grip as the game progresses, but they’ll need to vary their pace to avoid being milked on the relatively compact boundaries.
With an average first-innings score of 236 and 64% of matches won by the team batting first, the toss will be a high-stakes moment for both captains.
Squads
Australia: Alyssa Healy (c), Sophie Molineux (vc), Darcie Brown, Nicola Carey, Ashleigh Gardner, Kim Garth, Alana King, Phoebe Litchfield, Beth Mooney, Tahlia McGrath, Ellyse Perry, Annabel Sutherland, Georgia Voll, Georgia Wareham
India: Harmanpreet Kaur (c), Smriti Mandhana (vc), Shafali Verma, Renuka Thakur, Sree Charani, Vaishnavi Sharma, Kranti Gaud, Sneh Rana, Deepti Sharma, Richa Ghosh, Kashvee Gautam, Amanjot Kaur, Jemimah Rodrigues, Uma Chetry, Harleen Deol, Pratika Rawal
AUS-W vs IND-W: Today’s Match Prediction
Case 1:
- Australia Women wins the toss and bats first
- Australia Women’s powerplay score: 65-75
- Australia Women’s total score: 270-280
Case 2:
- India Women wins the toss and bats first
- India powerplay score: 50-60
- India Women’s total score: 240-250
Match result: Australia Women’s to win the contest.
Also WATCH: Georgia Voll plucks a screamer to remove Richa Ghosh in 1st WODI
This article was first published at WomenCricket.com, a Cricket Times company.
