New Delhi, Sept. 21 -- Hosts India had a vehement challenge in the form of Australia ahead of the ICC Women's Cricket World Cup 2025. While Australia took the first ODI comprehensively, India fought back to tie the series. In a high-scoring decider, India gave Australia a scare before eventually faltering by 43 runs.
For the Women in Blue, the star performer was Player of the Series Smriti Mandhana for her 300 runs in the three games. She won praise from even opponents for her record ton during the third ODI - which was the second-fastest ever in women's ODIs.
She almost single-handedly led India's chase, with the side going at over 10 runs an over while she was at the crease. But her dismissal in the 22nd over, put paid to the hosts' cha...