The stage is set for another captivating chapter in women’s cricket as India and Australia prepare to lock horns in a three-match ODI series starting September 14. Following India’s historic T20I series victory over England (3-2), the Women in Blue will be brimming with confidence as they face the formidable Australians, who have dominated the ODI format with an impressive 44-10 head-to-head record against India. With the ICC Women’s ODI World Cup 2025 on the horizon, both teams will use this series as crucial preparation, making every contest a high-stakes encounter that promises tactical battles and individual duels that could define the outcome of each match.
India and Australia squads ready for a spectacular face-off
The Indian squad, led by Harmanpreet Kaur with Smriti Mandhana as vice-captain, presents a formidable blend of experience and emerging talent. Mandhana enters the series as the reigning ICC Women’s ODI Cricketer of the Year 2024, having scored a record-breaking 763 runs in T20Is during 2024. Her recent form has been exceptional, with scores of 45, 42, and 28 in the ODI series against England. The batting lineup features the destructive Harleen Deol, the versatile Jemimah Rodrigues, and the reliable wicketkeeper Richa Ghosh, while the bowling attack is spearheaded by the in-form Renuka Singh Thakur, who claimed 10 wickets including a five-wicket haul in just three ODIs against the West Indies.
Australia’s squad, captained by Alyssa Healy with Tahlia McGrath as deputy, showcases their trademark depth and quality. The batting order boasts world-class performers like Ellyse Perry, Beth Mooney, and the dynamic all-rounder Ashleigh Gardner, who currently holds the number one ICC ODI all-rounder ranking. Their bowling arsenal is led by the lethal Megan Schutt, whose 119 ODI wickets at an average of 23.50 make her one of the most feared pace bowlers in women’s cricket. The presence of spinners like Alana King and Georgia Wareham, alongside the pace of Kim Garth and Darcie Brown, provides Australia with multiple options to dismantle any batting lineup.
3 key battles to look out in IND-W vs AUS-W ODI series:
- Smriti Mandhana vs Megan Schutt
This marquee battle features India’s premier left-handed opener against Australia’s ace right-arm fast-medium bowler. Mandhana, with 3,960 ODI runs at an average of 46.5 and nine centuries, will face the challenge of Schutt’s inswinging deliveries and precise line and length. Schutt’s remarkable record includes 119 ODI wickets with best figures of 5/12, and her ability to swing the ball both ways makes her particularly dangerous in the powerplay.
In their previous encounters, Schutt has dismissed Mandhana on multiple occasions, including a memorable caught-behind dismissal for just 3 runs in the 2024 Brisbane ODI. Mandhana’s strike rate of 87.83 in ODIs contrasts with Schutt’s economy rate of 4.84 in 2025, setting up a fascinating contest between aggressive batting and disciplined bowling.
Also READ: Ellyse Perry highlights Australia’s squad depth ahead of Women’s World Cup 2025
- Harmanpreet Kaur vs Ashleigh Gardner
The battle between India’s experienced captain and Australia’s premier all-rounder promises tactical intrigue. Harmanpreet, with 645 ICC ODI batting rating points and extensive leadership experience, will face Gardner’s off-spin bowling that has claimed 71 ODI wickets at an average of 22.61.
Statistical analysis reveals that Gardner has dismissed Harmanpreet 8 times in 150 deliveries faced, with the Indian captain scoring 236 runs against the Australian all-rounder. Gardner’s bowling economy of 4.11 and her ability to score crucial runs down the order with a strike rate of 117.26 make her a dual threat.
- Deepti Sharma vs Beth Mooney
The contest between India’s premier off-spinner Deepti Sharma and Australia’s consistent left-handed batter Mooney represents a classic match-up. Mooney, ranked number one in ICC T20I batting with a rating of 794 points, brings exceptional consistency with her ability to rotate strike and find boundaries. Her ODI average of 655 rating points reflects her reliability in the format. Deepti’s off-spin bowling has troubled left-handed batters throughout her career, and her recent form includes crucial runs with the bat, having scored 78 runs off 171 balls in the recent Test against Australia.
Head-to-head statistics show that Mooney has scored runs at a 70.0 strike rate against Deepti in T20I encounters, but the ODI format may favour the spinner’s patient approach. Deepti’s ability to vary her pace and flight will be crucial against Mooney’s aggressive intent and exceptional placement skills.
The series promises to deliver exceptional cricket with these individual battles potentially determining the outcome of each match, as both teams aim to gain momentum ahead of the World Cup while showcasing the highest quality of women’s cricket.
Also READ: Australia name Alyssa Healy-led strong 15-member squad for Women’s World Cup 2025
This article was first published at WomenCricket.com, a Cricket Times company.
