IND-W vs AUS-W: Richa Ghosh and Deepti Sharma's heroic efforts went in vain as the Australian women's team defeated the Indian side in a humdinger second ODI of the three-match series in Mumbai. The Aussies held their nerves to choke India despite making errors in fielding to defend 258 and win by 3 runs at the Wankhede Stadium. With this win, the Aussies have taken an unassailable lead of 2-0 with one game to go and have already clinched the series.
In a match that was not a perfect one for both of these teams, ended to be a thrilling contest getting decided in the final over of the 100-over game. The Women in Blue ran Australia for money and came agonisingly close only to end up on the wrong end.
The hosts needed 19 runs from the final two overs and were at 240/7 with Deepti Sharma and Harleen Deol in the middle. However, Ashleigh Gardner bowled a terrific three-run 49th over and picked Harleen to send India 8 down before Annabel Sutherland managed to defend 16 off the final over.
Deepti was on strike in the final over and she re-inflicted India's hopes with a first-ball four. However, the pressure mounted with the next three balls going for only three runs. India needed 9 off the final two balls and a slower ball from Sutherland was not timed by Deepti as she managed to drag it towards long-on for a single. Shreyanka got a four on the final ball but that was not enough for the hosts. For her match-turning 3/47, Sutherland was awarded Player of the Match.
Richa, Deepti's efforts in vain
Richa Ghosh and Deepti's efforts went in vain despite some brilliant performances by the duo. Richa Ghosh amassed 96 runs in the chase and was seen struggling with cramps in the latter part of her innings. However, she kept batting in her bid to see India over the line. Deepti took a five-wicket haul in the first innings and became the first from Asia to scalp a fifer against Australia in women's ODIs.
At one point India were at 159/2 in 33 overs and needed 100 from the rest 17 overs. But wickets started to fall in quick succession. Jemimah Rodrigues was at 44 when she was sent back by a terrific catch from Phoebe Litchfield at covers before Harmanpreet Kaur edged and fell for 5. India were at 171/4 in 35.4 and Ghosh and Deepti joined hands to rebuild for India. However, struggling with her cramps, Ghosh fell to a sharp catch at covers from Litchfield when she was at 96 from 117 balls. No one else could stay with Deepti, who herself made a 36-ball 24 in the chase.
Australia dropped several catches on the field but India looked worse. The hosts dropped seven chances on the field and were asked to pay heavy in the form of runs from the Aussie batters. Aussies managed to score 258 despite being at 180/6 from 39.2 overs and in danger of getting bowled out. The third ODI of the series is set to be played on January 2.
