As the sounds of anticipation fill the air at the iconic Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai, the India women’s cricket team is gearing up for what promises to be a thrilling One Day International series against the formidable Australia women’s team. Following a remarkable Test victory, the Women in Blue are heading into the ODI series with confidence and a desire to create new records.
The excitement is building amongst cricket fans as India and Australia are locked and loaded for a three-match ODI battle royale. The series opener is set to start from December 28, which will unfurl the energetic cricketing week, with the successor matches scheduled for December 30 and January 2. This series comes on the heels of a historic feat—India’s first-ever Test win against the Australian women’s team, secured by a convincing 8-wicket chase of a modest 75 runs. Sneh Rana emerged a clear standout in that match, delivering match-changing spells that earned her the Player of the Match title.
The backdrop of the upcoming series is Mumbai’s Wankhede Stadium—a ground synonymous with high scoring and batting prowess. With a pitch that has consistently favored batsmen, a cascade of runs is nothing short of expectation. Teams have been successful in scoring briskly, as witnessed during the previous World Cup in 2023. The new ball does present an initial challenge with seam and swing under the lights, but this phase is transient. Once the 10-15 over mark is crossed, batting eases into a comfortable rhythm, making the chase an achievable feat.
With 34 ODI matches under its belt, Wankhede Stadium has a near-even split between successful chases and defenses. Eighteen matches have been won by teams batting first, while sixteen favors those who took to bowling first. The average first-innings score stands at a formidable 252, with the second innings average trailing at 203. The stadium has been witness to both the glory of the highest total recorded at an impressive 438/4 by RSA against IND and the agony of the lowest at a meager 55/10 by SL against IND.
In terms of memorable chases, Australia holds the record at the Wankhede with a triumphant 293/7 against AFG. On the defense, WI boasts the lowest score successfully defended against India—just 192/9 over a full 50 overs.
The upcoming match between India Women and Australia Women will not only grip the stadium but also the viewers at home, for the match will be telecast live. Fans can catch all the live action on the Sports18 Network on TV or stream it online on Jio Cinema.
The competing squads are nothing short of remarkable. Australia Women add great strength to the pitch with names like Phoebe Litchfield, Alyssa Healy, Ellyse Perry, Beth Mooney, Tahlia McGrath, and Megan Schutt. India answers back with its own powerhouse lineup featuring Smriti Mandhana, Shafali Verma, Harmanpreet Kaur, Jemimah Rodrigues, Deepti Sharma, and of course, Sneh Rana.
Interestingly, in ODI history, while Wankhede’s pitch has tended to support the hitters, the spinners and seamers have also found moments of magic, rewriting records and challenging batters. The teams must strategize to balance power and finesse, playing mind and muscle in equal measure to claim victory.
Cricket fans around the world wait with bated breath as two of today’s most competitive women’s cricket teams lock horns in what appears to be a series filled with potential for cricketing greatness. For the Women in Blue, it’s about building on their Test triumph and establishing dominance in the one-day format. For the Australians, it’s about reclaiming their top spot and showcasing their adaptive prowess. Who will emerge victorious? The pitch is set, the teams are ready, and the Wankhede awaits the echoes of a cricketing triumph.
