India Women Face Australia in Crucial ODI Series
The stage is set for an exciting clash in women’s cricket as India get ready to host Australia for a three-match ODI series starting September 14. This series is not just about bragging rights; it is also seen as vital preparation for the upcoming Women’s ODI World Cup at the end of the month. Both sides will be eager to fine-tune their line-ups, test combinations, and build confidence before heading into the global tournament.
The first two games will be played at the brand-new Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium in Mullanpur, which is about to host its first international fixture. The third and final match of the series is scheduled for September 20 at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi, a venue that has not seen women’s ODI cricket since 1995. That fact alone adds a sense of occasion to the series.
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Australia enter this contest as clear favorites, having dominated the format for years. They have not lost a bilateral ODI series to India, and they have been remarkably consistent, winning 29 of their last 30 such series overall. Players like Alyssa Healy, Ellyse Perry, and Beth Mooney bring a wealth of experience, while youngsters like Phoebe Litchfield and Annabel Sutherland arrive with recent form and confidence. Litchfield, in particular, has been in superb touch, coming off a standout campaign in The Hundred. Sutherland, too, has grown into her role as a genuine match-winner with both bat and ball.
There are also notable returns for the Australians. Sophie Molineux has made it back into the World Cup squad after knee surgery earlier this year, though her actual return to competitive action may be delayed until the warm-up games. To balance that absence, uncapped spinner Charli Knott has been drafted in. Meanwhile, Darcie Brown and Georgia Wareham have shaken off injuries and are available for selection.
For India, the focus will be on building stability at the top of the order. Smriti Mandhana, one of the most reliable batters in world cricket, continues as vice-captain, and her partnership with Pratika Rawal has been a revelation. Rawal has cemented her spot, scoring consistently through the year, including a big 154 recently. Harmanpreet Kaur leads the side with her usual aggressive intent, while players like Jemimah Rodrigues, Deepti Sharma, and Richa Ghosh are expected to provide depth. Excitement also surrounds Kranti Goud, the young pacer who impressed in England with a six-wicket haul in just her third ODI.
India’s strength at home cannot be overlooked. They have won 11 of their last 12 ODIs on their own turf, and their batting unit has been the most productive in 2025, averaging nearly 50 runs per wicket. Players like Mandhana and Rawal top the global run charts this year, and Richa Ghosh has been striking at over 140 in ODIs – a number unheard of in the women’s game until now.
Australia may carry the weight of history, but India will be banking on conditions, form, and local support. With both teams looking sharp, this short but high-stakes series promises drama, intensity, and possibly a preview of what could unfold at the World Cup.
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