In a dominant display of batting prowess, the Australian women's cricket team showcased their aggressive intent against India in the third and final ODI, setting a new benchmark in their ODI history. Australia hammered India for 400+ for the first time in Women's ODIs. The match, held on September 20, 2025, at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi, saw Australia amassing a formidable total, propelled by Beth Mooney's record-breaking century.
Australian captain Alyssa Healy won the toss and elected to bat first. The decision proved fruitful as the Australian batters went on a rampage, leaving the Indian bowlers with little to no respite. The team's aggressive approach was evident from the start, with Australia scoring 77 runs in the powerplay.
Beth Mooney's spectacular innings was the highlight of the match. The left-handed batter reached her century in just 57 balls, equaling the record for the second-fastest century in Women's ODIs. Meg Lanning holds the record for the fastest century, scored in 45 balls against New Zealand in 2012/13. This century is Mooney's fourth in 85 ODIs. Mooney walked in to bat with Australia at 150/2 and further propelled the Australian side in a strong position. She played a knock of 138 runs from 75 deliveries, laced with 23 boundaries and one six.
Mooney's innings was characterized by breathtaking strokeplay, as she found the boundary with ease and put immense pressure on the Indian bowlers. She first stitched a 106-run partnership with Elysse Perry for the third wicket and went on to add 82 runs for the fourth wicket, scripting two crucial partnerships. Her aggressive approach and ability to find the gaps made it difficult for the Indian fielders to contain the scoring.
Australia's dominance in this match allowed them to equal their highest-ever ODI total of 412/3, previously achieved against Denmark in Mumbai in 1997. In contrast, India's highest successful chase in ODI cricket is 266, achieved against Australia in 2021.
While the Indian team wore pink jerseys in support of breast cancer awareness, a historic move, their performance on the field didn't match their spirit. The Indian squad for the match included Smriti Mandhana, Pratika Rawal, Harleen Deol, Harmanpreet Kaur (c), Deepti Sharma, Richa Ghosh (wk), Radha Yadav, Arundhati Reddy, Sneh Rana, Kranti Goud, and Renuka Singh.
Australia made a couple of changes to their playing XI, bringing in Kim Garth and Grace Harris in place of Darcie Brown and Annabel Sutherland. The Australian team included Alyssa Healy (c&wk), Georgia Voll, Ellyse Perry, Beth Mooney, Grace Harris, Ashleigh Gardner, Tahlia McGrath, Georgia Wareham, Alana King.
The three-match ODI series between India and Australia was leveled at 1-1, making this final match a decider. India leveled the series in the second ODI, thanks to a brilliant century from Smriti Mandhana and some terrific bowling from Kranti Goud. Australia won the first match by chasing 282 with the loss of two wickets, thanks to half-centuries from Phoebe Litchfield (88) and Beth Mooney. Australia started the series strongly, claiming victory in the opening match despite their bowlers going for runs as Phoebe Litchfield, Beth Mooney, and Annabel Sutherland led the chase.
