Smriti Mandhana shone amidst the gloom of a rain-interrupted Day 1 of the pink-ball Test between Australia Women and India Women at the Carrara Oval. Mandhana struck a career-best 80 not out to help India finish on 132/1 before rain brought early stumps. She hit 15 fours and a six.
Mandhana added 93 with Shafali Verma (31) to get India off to a decent start after they were asked to bat. After Verma’s departure, she added an unbroken 39 with Punam Raut (16*) to take India to a comfortable position before the rain arrived in the 45th over, and did not allow them to play again.
The weather forecast of Day 2 is not great either. There is a high possibility of rain’s interruption in regular intervals, though the play will start 30 minutes earlier than the scheduled time.
With Mithali Raj, Deepti Sharma, and the in-form Yastika Bhatia still to come, India will be upset if they do not get 350 in the first innings. They had got off the kind of start had hoped for, and now the rest of them have to step up to put pressure on Australia.
Australia have plenty to ponder ahead of Day 2, but they have turned things in their favour many times before. If they get Mandhana early, they will look to bundle out India within 250. Sophie Molineux, who has picked up the only wicket so far, will be in focus again.
Betway Fantasy Tips
- Keep faith in Mandhana. She looked ominous yesterday, and will be looking to take her 144-ball 80 past 150.
- For Australia, Ellyse Perry can be a game-changer. She has all the experience, and can turn things in their favour in quick time.
- Expect Deepti Sharma to score at least 50.