Phoebe Litchfield's impressive innings of 88 runs propelled the Australian women's cricket team to a commanding eight-wicket victory over India in the first One Day International (ODI) held in New Chandigarh on September 14, 2025. This win gives Australia a 1-0 lead in the three-match series.
India won the toss and chose to bat, setting a target of 282 runs for Australia. The Indian innings saw significant contributions from their top order, with Smriti Mandhana (58), Pratika Rawal (64), and Harleen Deol (54) all scoring half-centuries. Useful runs were also added by Richa Ghosh (25) and Radha Yadav (19), while Deepti Sharma remained unbeaten on 25, helping India reach a total of 281 for 7 in their allotted 50 overs. Megan Schutt was the pick of the Australian bowlers, taking 2 wickets for 45 runs. She became the ninth Australian woman to play 100 ODIs. Ellyse Perry, Annabel Sutherland and Georgia Wareham bowled tightly.
In response, Australia chased down the target in just 44.1 overs, finishing at 282 for 2. Australia's run chase was anchored by a brilliant 88 from Phoebe Litchfield, who struck 14 boundaries in her 80-ball innings. She was named Player of the Match. Beth Mooney remained unbeaten with 77 runs, and Annabel Sutherland contributed an unbeaten 54. Alyssa Healy, the Australian captain, started aggressively with a quick 27 before being dismissed.
Ellyse Perry had to retire hurt after scoring 30 due to a calf issue. Litchfield and Perry put on a 79-run partnership before Perry's injury. Mooney and Sutherland then sealed the victory with an unbeaten 116-run partnership.
India's fielding performance was lackluster, with several dropped catches proving costly. Litchfield was dropped early in her innings, and Mooney and Perry were also given reprieves. Kranti Goode took 1 wicket for India. Sneh Rana also claimed a wicket.
The match was held at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium in Mullanpur, New Chandigarh. This series serves as a warm-up for the upcoming ICC ODI World Cup. The second ODI will be held on September 17.
