The third ODI of the India Women’s tour of Australia, played at the iconic WACA, Perth, kicked off with high stakes and expectations. India, trailing in the series, opted to bowl, a strategic decision aimed at leveraging the conditions to unsettle Australia’s formidable batting lineup. The gamble soon paid dividends as Arundhati Reddy delivered a stunning spell, rattling the hosts with early wickets.
Arundhati Reddy’s masterful delivery: Georgia Voll dismissed
The Indian bowlers initially struggled to break the solid 50-run opening stand between Georgia Voll and Phoebe Litchfield. Voll, showcasing her talent with an elegant 26 off 30 balls, seemed poised for a big score. However, Arundhati Reddy turned the game on its head with a moment of brilliance.
Bowling from over the wicket, Reddy unleashed a perfectly pitched good-length delivery that swung sharply back into Voll. Caught on the back foot, Voll misjudged the line, leaving a gap between bat and pad. The ball zipped through the defenses, crashing into the stumps. The dismissal, equal parts skill and precision, brought India roaring back into the contest. Voll’s knock, which included four boundaries, ended just as she looked ready to accelerate.
Here’s the video:
Through the gate, a key wicket for India!
Arundhati bowls Voll and breaks a promising opening partnership #AUSvIND pic.twitter.com/Ica88JBoRY
— 7Cricket (@7Cricket) December 11, 2024
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Phoebe Litchfield and Ellyse Perry falls in quick succession
Following the dismissal of Voll for 26, caught by Richa Ghosh off Reddy, Australia’s innings began to unravel. Phoebe Litchfield, who had earlier looked in good touch, fell next for 25 runs, edging a delivery from Reddy behind the stumps. The pressure intensified as Ellyse Perry struggled to settle at the crease, and her departure for just 4 runs off 14 balls added to Australia’s woes, reducing them to 84/4 in just 20 overs.
With wickets falling at regular intervals, India’s bowlers, led by Reddy and Titas Sadhu, maintained tight lines, preventing any significant partnerships from forming. Despite the setbacks, Annabel Sutherland and Ashleigh Gardener, trying to stabilize the innings amidst the mounting pressure. The Indian fielding side, sharp and alert, kept the Australian batters on edge, further contributing to the growing sense of urgency for the hosts.
Also WATCH: Georgia Voll’s spectacular knock against India in the 2nd Women’s ODI brings tears to her mother’s eyes
This article was first published at WomenCricket.com, a Cricket Times company.