India vs Australia Highlights, Women's Cricket World Cup 2022, Full Cricket Score: Australia pull off record chase, seal place in semis

A new record has been set today!

Meg Lanning: You knew heading into this game… a team with some world-class players. It’s something we can improve upon. We were a bit fumbly in the field as well. We’ll take the win today, but understand we have areas to work upon. Pretty difficult, because the pockets are massive as well. Very unique, all the grounds in New Zealand are such. We knew we had it under control. Moons came in real nice and took the pressure off me. Healy and Haynes got us off to a top start. We’ve had different people step up at different times. She had that steely look on her face.

Mithali Raj: When you lose you always feel you’re 10-15 runs short. The way the Australians started the innings, they were ahead of the required run rate. The fielding didn’t support the bowling. It has a lot to do with the girls playing the league in Australia and playing against and alongside the best in the world. Batting was something we wanted to improve upon which we did, but the bowling department didn’t. The next two games are very important for us. I just want to thank all the people, especially the Indians who turned up to support us. It’s incredible for a fast bowler to play so many years and games. Takes a lot of discipline. Definitely a role model for many players.

Some good news for the Indians

What an ice cool finish from the Aussie No 5

Meg Lanning (97) is the Player of the Match!

Lanning: Personally, it was nice to contribute. Disappointed in the last two games. Nice to execute and contribute to a win. It was a belter of a wicket, came on nicely, there wasn’t a lot of turn. We have very different games, which really helps us. It’s nice to have someone down there who’s comfortable and experienced.

49.3 FOUR! Mooney finishes off in style, as Australia pull off a record chase to become the first team in the 2022 ICC Women’s World Cup to book their place in the semis. AUS 280/4

49.2 TWO! Mooney steers the ball through cover, getting enough time to come back for a second thanks to a fumble by Mandhana in the deep. AUS 276/4; need 2 off 4

49.1 FOUR! Mooney collects a boundary off the first ball! Poor start for Goswami! AUS 274/4; need 4 off 5

After 49 overs,Australia Women 270/4 ( Beth Mooney 20 , Tahlia McGrath 0)

Meghna bowls out the penultimate over. Single collected off each of the first three balls, before Lanning holes out to the fielder at point to depart three short of her ton. Singh signs off with three consecutive dots, leaving Australia needing 8 off 6.

OUT! Superb catch by Vastrakar at point as Meg Lanning misses out on her ton by a whisker! She’ll be gutted to have missed out on the magic three-figure number today. AUS 270/4

Lanning c Vastrakar b Singh 97(107)

After 48 overs,Australia Women 267/3 ( Meg Lanning (C) 96 , Beth Mooney 18)

Tidy over from Goswami, with Lanning collecting a brace in the second ball to move to 96, a score that she’s stranded on at the end of the over. Australia need 11 off 12 with seven wickets in hand. Maybe India could try and have some fun now, give Australia a scare by getting a wicket at this stage.

After 47 overs,Australia Women 265/3 ( Meg Lanning (C) 94 , Beth Mooney 18)

Meghna returns at the other end. Single off each of the first two balls before Mooney collects her second boundary by steering a wide ball behind point. Two singles added in the remaining deliveries. Australia need 13 more to complete a record chase in 18 balls.

After 46 overs,Australia Women 257/3 ( Meg Lanning (C) 92 , Beth Mooney 12)

Goswami returns for one final burst. Lanning and Mooney keep the scoreboard ticking with four singles coming in the first five balls of the over, before Lanning cuts the ball behind point for a boundary to move into the 90s. Australia need 21 from 24 with seven wickets in hand.

After 45 overs,Australia Women 249/3 ( Meg Lanning (C) 86 , Beth Mooney 10)

FOUR! Mooney collects her first boundary of the evening with a slog-sweep over the midwicket region in the second delivery. Eight off Gayakwad’s final over, with the left-arm spinner signing off wicketless, conceding 48 along the way. Australia need 29 off 30.

After 44 overs,Australia Women 241/3 ( Meg Lanning (C) 85 , Beth Mooney 3)

Lanning and Mooney continue to deal in singles, with four of them coming in the first five balls before Lanning collects her 12th boundary in the final delivery with a firm cut past point. Vastrakar signs off with 2/43, leaving Australia needing 37 off 36.

After 43 overs,Australia Women 233/3 ( Meg Lanning (C) 79 , Beth Mooney 1)

Excellent over from Gayakwad with just one coming from it, as Lanning sets off for a single in the fourth delivery. The required rate goes past six, but with enough wickets in hand, Australia are under no pressure. AUS need 45 to win from 42.

After 42 overs,Australia Women 232/3 ( Meg Lanning (C) 78 , Beth Mooney 1)

Vastrakar starts off with a wide after play resumes, and dismisses Perry two balls later off a full toss, breaking the solid third-wicket stand in the process and giving India a sliver of hope. Lanning though, continues to bat authoritatively, pulling a short ball behind square in the penultimate delivery. Seven runs and a wicket from the over. Australia need 46 off 48. Beth Mooney is the new batter at the crease.

OUT! Vastrakar strikes on the other side of the rain break as Perry chips the ball straight to Raj at extra cover off a full toss. The third umpire checks the delivery for height, and turns out to be a legal delivery. The third-wicket stand has been broken after all! AUS 226/3; need 52 off 52

Perry c Mithali b Vastrakar 28(51)

The covers have come off at the Eden Park, and play will resume at 9.05 pm local time. Lanning and Perry will look to finish things off in a canter after the break.

Has been a rock-solid batting performance so far

Play halted due to rain!

The heavens open up above Auckland, and the players and umpires have to march back to the pavilion with Australia already setting their sights on a comfortable win. Lanning and Perry have added 102 so far for the third wicket, leaving Australia just 53 more to win from 54 with eight wickets in hand. The DLS par score is 197, so the Aussies are well ahead, and will be declared victors should play be called off from here.

After 41 overs,Australia Women 225/2 ( Meg Lanning (C) 73 , Ellyse Perry 28)

Gayakwad replaces Goswami, with the possibility of an Indian victory looking quite unlikely now. Just one from the over, with Perry collecting a single in the third ball. AUS need 53 off 54.

After 40 overs,Australia Women 224/2 ( Meg Lanning (C) 73 , Ellyse Perry 27)

Vastrakar returns after Rana bowls out her quota. Couple of singles added in this over, with the partnership going past the 100-mark now. AUS need 54 off 60.

The century stand comes up between Lanning and Perry for the third wicket, the former bringing up the milestone courtesy an overthrow. Australia firm favourites to romp home to a comfortable victory now. AUS 223/2

After 39 overs,Australia Women 222/2 ( Meg Lanning (C) 72 , Ellyse Perry 26)

FOUR! Perry collects a boundary for a change, the first off her bat today, as she drives a full toss past mid on in the final ball of Goswami’s seventh over. 11 from the over, with Australia needing 56 from 66.

After 38 overs,Australia Women 211/2 ( Meg Lanning (C) 69 , Ellyse Perry 19)

Rana signs off with 1/56, conceding seven from her final over with Lanning collecting her 10th boundary with a sweep towards fine leg. Australia need 67 off 72.

After 37 overs,Australia Women 204/2 ( Meg Lanning (C) 64 , Ellyse Perry 17)

A much better over from Goswami with just three coming from it, including a double to Lanning in the penultimate ball. Lanning and Perry showing no signs of hurry at the moment, keeping the scoreboard ticking with the ones and twos and getting the odd boundary to keep the asking rate in check. AUS need 74 off 78.

After 36 overs,Australia Women 201/2 ( Meg Lanning (C) 62 , Ellyse Perry 16)

Tidy penultimate over from Rana with four coming from it, including a double to Lanning in the second ball, as Australia go past the 200-mark with eight wickets still in hand. It’s there game to lose from here. Australia need 77 off 84.

After 35 overs,Australia Women 197/2 ( Meg Lanning (C) 59 , Ellyse Perry 15)

Goswami continues. Lanning, meanwhile, helps herself to her ninth boundary with a thick outside edge that flies past the vacant slip region and goes all the way to third man for a boundary. Six from the over.

After 34 overs,Australia Women 191/2 ( Meg Lanning (C) 54 , Ellyse Perry 14)

Rana replaces Meghna now. Six from the over, including a brace to Lanning in the second delivery that brings up her 19th ODI half-century. Perry, meanwhile, is playing a supporting role at the moment while Lanning goes for the strokes.

FIFTY up for Meg Lanning of 56 balls! The Aussie skipper brings up the milestone with a brace off Rana. She’s led Australia’s counterattack after they lost both set openers in quick succession, and has helped shift the balance in her team’s favour again. AUS 187/2

After 33 overs,Australia Women 185/2 ( Meg Lanning (C) 49 , Ellyse Perry 13)

Goswami returns to the attack, and is able to bowl a tight line, conceding a single each to Perry and Lanning. Lanning nearly drags the ball onto the stumps in the second delivery. AUS need 93 off 102 with 8 wickets in hand.

After 32 overs,Australia Women 183/2 ( Meg Lanning (C) 48 , Ellyse Perry 12)

Meghna replaces Gayakwad. Lanning, meanwhile, continues to keep the Indian bowlers under pressure with a couple of boundaries while bringing up the fifty partnership with Perry. 12 from the over. The Aussie skipper is a couple of runs short of her half-century now.

FOUR! Lanning goes for a square cut off Meghna, nearly serving Gayakwad a catch at point, the ball then racing away to the fence for a boundary that brings up the fifty stand. AUS 176/2

After 31 overs,Australia Women 171/2 ( Meg Lanning (C) 39 , Ellyse Perry 10)

FOUR! Slog-swept behind square by Lanning off Rana in the second delivery. “Catch!” was the call but this landed beyond Verma’s reach. Couple of singles added to the Aussie total in the remaining balls.

After 30 overs,Australia Women 164/2 ( Meg Lanning (C) 34 , Ellyse Perry 8)

Lanning and Perry collect a single each in Gayakwad’s seventh over, leaving Australia needing another 114 to win in 120 deliveries with eight wickets in hand.

After 29 overs,Australia Women 162/2 ( Meg Lanning (C) 33 , Ellyse Perry 7)

Rana replaces Meghna, with a slip in place. Lanning, meanwhile, moves into the 30s with a firm cut, and later retains the strike with a single off the last ball. Second drinks interval signalled at the end of this over. The partnership is now worth 39.

After 28 overs,Australia Women 156/2 ( Meg Lanning (C) 28 , Ellyse Perry 6)

Gayakwad concedes just two from the first five balls before she beats Lanning with a peach of a delivery that draws a smile from the Aussie captain.

After 27 overs,Australia Women 154/2 ( Meg Lanning (C) 27 , Ellyse Perry 5)

Meghna replaces Vastrakar, and is off to an expensive start in her new spell as Lanning brings up the 150 for the Aussies with back-to-back hits to the fence in the second and third deliveries. 10 from Meghna’s seventh.

After 26 overs,Australia Women 144/2 ( Meg Lanning (C) 18 , Ellyse Perry 4)

Gayakwad continues to keep it tight in her new spell, conceding a couple of runs with Lanning and Perry collecting a single each.

After 25 overs,Australia Women 142/2 ( Meg Lanning (C) 17 , Ellyse Perry 3)

FOUR! Lanning cuts the ball behind point in the third ball of this over, collecting her second boundary. Vastrakar bowls a yorker two balls later, with Lanning bringing her bat down in time and dashing off for a single. Seven from the over. Australia still in a comfortable position at the halfway stage despite losing both openers. They know they have enough firepower in their batting order in addition to Lanning and Perry to see them through.

After 24 overs,Australia Women 135/2 ( Meg Lanning (C) 12 , Ellyse Perry 2)

Gayakwad replaces Rana, and starts off her new spell on a tidy note with just two runs coming from it. Australia’s run-rate has dropped below six at the moment with two new batters at the crease.

After 23 overs,Australia Women 133/2 ( Meg Lanning (C) 11 , Ellyse Perry 1)

Perry gets off the mark with a single off the second delivery. Lanning pushes for a second two balls later after driving through the cover region. Single to Lanning off the fifth followed by a dot. Four from the over.

After 22 overs,Australia Women 129/2 ( Meg Lanning (C) 8 , Ellyse Perry 0)

Lanning collects a brace off a thick top-edge towards backward square leg, before collecting her first boundary with a solid punch through the cover region two balls later. Six from the over.

After 21 overs,Australia Women 123/2 ( Meg Lanning (C) 2 , Ellyse Perry 0)

Superb over from Vastrakar, conceding just a single while accounting for Rachael Haynes’ wicket as India remove both set openers in quick succession. Australia need another 155 to win with eight wickets and 29 overs in hand.

OUT! India are back in the game with a couple of quick wickets as Vastrakar gets rid of the other set batter in Haynes, the leading run-scorer in the tournament at the moment who departs after a patient 43. Tried to hook a short ball from Vastrakar and ended up tickling it into the keeper’s gloves. AUS 123/2

Haynes c Ghosh b Vastrakar 43(53)

After 20 overs,Australia Women 122/1 ( Rachael Haynes 43 , Meg Lanning (C) 1)

Rana gets the breakthrough that the Indians were so desperately looking for, getting rid of Healy in the second ball of her fourth over. Two singles conceded by the offie, with Australia skipper Meg Lanning getting off the mark as well as retaining the strike in the last ball of the over. Australia need another 156 to win from 180 balls with nine wickets in hand.

OUT! The marathon opening stand has finally been broken, as Alyssa Healy, who had been timing the ball with authority so far today, reverse sweeps straight to Mithali Raj at short third man to depart for 72. AUS 120/1

Healy c Raj b Rana 72(65)

After 19 overs,Australia Women 120/0 ( Rachael Haynes 42 , Alyssa Healy (W) 72)

Tidy over from Vastrakar with just two singles coming from it. Partnership’s worth 120 now. Unless India are able to get a wicket or two now, Australia should chase this down quite easily.

After 18 overs,Australia Women 118/0 ( Rachael Haynes 41 , Alyssa Healy (W) 71)

Single collected off each delivery of Rana’s third over barring the fifth, in which Healy collects a brace after working the ball through the point region. Healy’s batting on 71 at the end of this over.

Indian supporters RN

After 17 overs,Australia Women 111/0 ( Rachael Haynes 39 , Alyssa Healy (W) 66)

Gayakwad replaces Meghna after the drinks break, and starts off by conceding back-to-back boundaries to Healy, which brings up the century opening stand, both coming off sweeps. Healy repeats the shot in the fourth ball, collecting a third boundary in the over. India lose their remaining review after yet another unsuccessful LBW appeal. 14 from the over. Nelson for no loss for the Aussies.

FOUR! Healy brings up the century opening stand with Haynes with a powerful sweep towards the square leg fence off Rajeshwari Gayakwad. AUS 101/0

After 16 overs,Australia Women 97/0 ( Rachael Haynes 39 , Alyssa Healy (W) 54)

Rana continues on the other side of the drinks break. Nine from the over, including a boundary to Haynes in the second delivery as she goes for an inside out loft down the ground. India go for the review after an unsuccessful LBW appeal against Haynes in the last ball, and the ball is found to be narrowly missing the leg stump.

After 15 overs,Australia Women 88/0 ( Rachael Haynes 34 , Alyssa Healy (W) 50)

Couple of singles and a wide conceded by Meghna in her sixth over, with Healy bringing up her 15th ODI half-century in the process. Time for the players to have a drink. Has been a top start for the Aussies so far and right now they’re favourites to pull off the chase successfully.

Fifty for Alyssa Healy! Another fine knock from the Aussie keeper-batter, who had acted as the aggressor in the first powerplay. Brings up the milestone at a shade better than run-a-ball, collecting six boundaries along the way. AUS 87/0

After 14 overs,Australia Women 85/0 ( Rachael Haynes 33 , Alyssa Healy (W) 49)

Skipper Raj turns to Sneh Rana now. Starts off with three dots before Healy keeps the scoreboard ticking with a quick single off the fourth. Haynes runs the ball down the ground for a single off the last ball, keeping the strike.

After 13 overs,Australia Women 83/0 ( Rachael Haynes 32 , Alyssa Healy (W) 48)

Short ball signalled wide in the second ball. Fine stop by Vastrakar at cover in the third delivery to prevent what could’ve have at the very least been an easy double for Haynes. The left-handed opener decides to steer the ball behind point next ball, this time collecting a boundary with no protection in that direction. Goes for an aerial slice two balls later, but it falls well out of any fielder’s reach and allows her an easy single. Healy keeps the strike with a single off the last ball. Opening stand’s worth 83 now.

After 12 overs,Australia Women 76/0 ( Rachael Haynes 27 , Alyssa Healy (W) 47)

Vastrakar continues. Haynes faces a run-out risk after pushing for a quick single first ball, with Kaur’s throw going over the non-striker’s stumps. Healy keeps the scoreboard ticking with a couple of doubles. Five from the over. India will be desperate to break this stand at this stage.

After 11 overs,Australia Women 71/0 ( Rachael Haynes 26 , Alyssa Healy (W) 43)

Change of ends for Singh, who replaces Gayakwad. Healy collects a single off the second ball, which is followed by back-to-back wides. Haynes keeps the strike with a single off the last ball.

After 10 overs,Australia Women 67/0 ( Rachael Haynes 25 , Alyssa Healy (W) 42)

FOUR! Haynes swivels around and pulls a short ball from Vastrakar over wide mid on to prevent the over from going as a maiden. She moves to 25 with her third boundary of the innings. Australia collect 67 in the powerplay without losing a wicket.

After 9 overs,Australia Women 63/0 ( Rachael Haynes 21 , Alyssa Healy (W) 42)

Healy collects a treble off the second ball, before Haynes helps herself to another boundary with a cut behind square. She gets off strike with a single off the fourth, while Healy ends the over with a brace.

After 8 overs,Australia Women 53/0 ( Rachael Haynes 16 , Alyssa Healy (W) 37)

Change from both ends as Pooja Vastrakar replaces Meghna Singh. Just three from her first over, including a brace to Haynes off the last ball.

After 7 overs,Australia Women 50/0 ( Rachael Haynes 14 , Alyssa Healy (W) 36)

Seven from the over, including a boundary to Haynes, that also happens to be her first of the innings, off the last ball as the opening partnership between the two goes past the 50-mark inside seven overs.

FOUR! Rachael Haynes brings up the fifty stand with Alyssa Healy with a paddle sweep towards fine leg off Rajeshwari Gayakwad. AUS 50/0

After 6 overs,Australia Women 43/0 ( Rachael Haynes 9 , Alyssa Healy (W) 34)

FOUR! Healy moves into the 30s with another cover drive, this one kept along the ground, beating the fielder diving to her right at cover in the third delivery. Healy pushes for a risky single two balls later as the throw from point is close to the non-striker’s stumps, though Healy managed to drag her bat across the line in the nick of time. Five from the over.

After 5 overs,Australia Women 38/0 ( Rachael Haynes 9 , Alyssa Healy (W) 29)

Healy continues to score freely, collecting back-to-back boundaries off Goswami’s bowling, cutting the ball past point in the second delivery before swatting the ball over midwicket. She keeps the strike with a single off the last ball.

After 4 overs,Australia Women 29/0 ( Rachael Haynes 9 , Alyssa Healy (W) 20)

Healy collects another boundary for herself, going for an aerial drive over the covers. Gets off strike next ball with a single. Haynes mistimes her heave over square leg, but ends up collecting three as the ball gently rolls towards the boundary. Healy keeps the strike with a single off the last ball. Australia going at over four-an-over at the start of their chase.

After 3 overs,Australia Women 20/0 ( Rachael Haynes 6 , Alyssa Healy (W) 14)

Three singles pinched in Goswami’s second over along with a brace off the final ball, Haynes coming back for a second after guiding the ball behind square on the leg side. Five from the over.

After 2 overs,Australia Women 15/0 ( Rachael Haynes 3 , Alyssa Healy (W) 12)

Meghna Singh’s off to a poor start, conceding a boundary — Healy’s second of the innings so far. The keeper-batter later collects a treble off the last delivery after driving the ball through point. Seven from the over. Australia off to a positive start.

After 1 over,Australia Women 8/0 ( Rachael Haynes 3 , Alyssa Healy (W) 5)

Good first over for the Aussies with eight coming off it, including the first boundary of the innings that comes off Alyssa Healy’s bat in the third ball. Haynes gets off the mark with a brace off the last delivery.

Rachael Haynes and Alyssa Healy walk out to begin Australia’s chase. Jhulan Goswami, making her 200th ODI appearance today, to bowl the first over of the innings.

After 50 overs,India Women 277/7 ( Harmanpreet Kaur 57 , )

Jonassen bowls the final over. Vastrakar gets off strike right away with a single, before Kaur collects a brace with a sweep behind square. Works the ball through the midwicket region off the third, making it back-to-back doubles. Single off the fourth after Kaur steers the ball down the ground. Vastrakar gets an inside edge towards fine leg for a brace off the fifth, before getting run out in the final ball of the innings as India finish on 277/7 after being asked to bat by Australia.

OUT! Vastrakar’s run out in the final ball of the innings, hitting the ball straight towards Jonassen with Kaur pretty much having sprinted halfway down the track. But she’s done her part with a superb 34 off 28, forging a quickfire seventh-wicket stand with Kaur that helps India finish on 277/7 after being asked to bat by Australia.

Vastrakar run out (Jonassen) 34(28)

After 49 overs,India Women 269/6 ( Harmanpreet Kaur 52 , Pooja Vastrakar 31)

Schutt bowls the penultimate over. Kaur crunches the ball down the ground for a brace off the first delivery. LBW appeal in the second is turned down by the umpire, and the Aussies waste another review after the ball is found to be going down leg. Vastrakar muscles the ball over extra cover for a brace off the third. SIX! Vastrakar brings up the fifty stand with Kaur in style with a mighty hit over long on! That landed in the stands! She keeps the strike with a single off the last ball. Seven from the over. One more over to go.

SIX! Vastrakar smashes the ball into the stands beyond long on to bring up the fifty partnership with Kaur in just 40 deliveries! IND 268/6

After 48 overs,India Women 257/6 ( Harmanpreet Kaur 50 , Pooja Vastrakar 22)

Tidy over from Jonassen with six coming off it as Harmanpreet Kaur brings up her 15th ODI half-century, consuming 42 balls along the way. Two more overs to go in the innings.

Fifty up for Harmanpreet Kaur in 42 balls! The India vice-captain brings up the milestone for the 15th time in one-dayers, this also being her third fifty-plus score in the ongoing tournament. IND 257/6

After 47 overs,India Women 251/6 ( Harmanpreet Kaur 47 , Pooja Vastrakar 20)

Kaur pulls towards the square leg region in the second ball to collect her sixth boundary and inch closer to her half century, while a single is collected off each of the remaining balls as the 250 comes up for the Indians in this over. Vastrakar’s been impressive so far with her 18-ball 20.

After 46 overs,India Women 242/6 ( Harmanpreet Kaur 41 , Pooja Vastrakar 17)

FOUR! Kaur charges down the ground and drills the ball towards long on to collect her fifth boundary, moving into the 40s in the process, before collecting a single. SIX! Majestic from Vastrakar and she smashes the ball straight down the ground, long off just being a mute spectator on this occasion. Wide conceded in the fifth ball, before Vastrakar muscles the ball over mid off, having noticed the fielder being brought up. Keeps the strike with a single off the last ball. Big over for the Indians, with 17 coming from it.

After 45 overs,India Women 225/6 ( Harmanpreet Kaur 36 , Pooja Vastrakar 6)

Schutt returns. Single collected off each of the first two balls before Vastrakar comes back for a second in the third delivery thanks to some fine running between the wickets. Two singles collected off the remaining deliveries.

After 44 overs,India Women 219/6 ( Harmanpreet Kaur 34 , Pooja Vastrakar 2)

DROPPED! Mooney puts down an easy enough chance at long on after a mishit by Kaur, who collects a single instead. She doesn’t look too happy with what she did, and will hope to make the most of the lifeline that’s been handed to her. Good over from King with four coming from it.

After 43 overs,India Women 215/6 ( Harmanpreet Kaur 31 , Pooja Vastrakar 1)

Jonassen strikes at the start of her new spell, bowling Rana right through the gate to send the all-rounder back to the hut for a duck. Both new batter Pooja Vastrakar and Kaur collect a single each later in the over.

OUT! Bowled through the gate, is Sneh Rana as she disappoints with the bat yet again. This one held the line after pitching along middle. First wicket of the day for Jonassen at the start of a new spell. India 213/6

Rana b Jonassen 0(5)

After 42 overs,India Women 213/5 ( Harmanpreet Kaur 30 , Sneh Rana 1)

Excellent over from King to arrest India’s scoring rate as she gets Ghosh stumped for 8 in the first delivery. LBW appeal against new batter Sneh Rana’s turned down in the penultimate ball. A run and a wicket from the over.

OUT! Healy whips the bails off in a flash after Ghosh misses while looking to smash the ball down the ground. Was the loopy delivery from King that tempted her to dance down the track, but King managed to beat her with turn. IND 212/5

Ghosh st Healy b King 8(14)

After 41 overs,India Women 212/4 ( Harmanpreet Kaur 30 , Richa Ghosh (W) 8)

McGrath replaces Schutt. FOUR! Kaur moves to 25 with a short-arm pull towards long leg in the first delivery, and follows it up with a drive down the ground for a single. Kaur pushes for a second after Ghosh lofts the ball towards cow corner two balls later, and is back comfortably by the time the throw reaches the non-striker’s end. Kaur uses the sweep to good effect again, collecting her second boundary of the over in the last ball. 12 from McGrath’s sixth.

After 40 overs,India Women 200/4 ( Harmanpreet Kaur 21 , Richa Ghosh (W) 5)

Single collected off the second and third deliveries. Ghosh then goes for a paddle sweep towards fine leg in the fifth ball, getting plenty of time to come back for a second and could’ve even gone for a third, given Jonassen wasn’t as quick in getting to the ball. The 200 comes up for India at the end of the second powerplay.

After 39 overs,India Women 196/4 ( Harmanpreet Kaur 20 , Richa Ghosh (W) 2)

Australia waste a review in this over after an unsuccessful LBW appeal by Schutt against Kaur. Turned out to be a case of the ball coming off the glove while the vice-captain was looking to guide it past the keeper towards fine leg. Four off the over, including a brace to Kaur off the first ball.

After 38 overs,India Women 192/4 ( Harmanpreet Kaur 17 , Richa Ghosh (W) 1)

Success for Alana King as she snares the well-set Raj in the second delivery, the India captain failing to time her slog well and getting caught at deep midwicket. New batter Richa Ghosh is off the mark right away with a single, while Kaur collects another boundary for herself with a paddle sweep. Seven runs and a wicket from the over.

OUT! Raj’s stay at the crease has finally come to an end as Perry collects her second catch of the day. The skipper was looking to accelerate after a period of collecting singles, but didn’t get the required timing on the shot. IND 186/4

Raj c Perry b King 68(96)

After 37 overs,India Women 185/3 ( Mithali Raj (C) 68 , Harmanpreet Kaur 11)

Change from both ends with Schutt now replacing Pez. Four singles collected in the over with Raj and Kaur constantly rotating the strike among themselves. Decent little partnership starting to build at the moment, worth 27 so far.

After 36 overs,India Women 181/3 ( Mithali Raj (C) 66 , Harmanpreet Kaur 9)

King replaces Brown. Harmanpreet Kaur brings out the sweep in this over, collecting her first boundary in the third delivery. Five off King’s fifth over.

After 35 overs,India Women 176/3 ( Mithali Raj (C) 65 , Harmanpreet Kaur 5)

Perry continues to keep things tidy in her second spell with four singles coming off her third over. India going at five-an-over at the moment.

After 34 overs,India Women 172/3 ( Mithali Raj (C) 63 , Harmanpreet Kaur 3)

Brown continues. Kaur needs a quick look from the physio after getting hit on the helmet in the second ball. Both batters collect a single each before Mithali places the ball just wide of deep square leg to end the over with a boundary. Six from the over.

After 33 overs,India Women 166/3 ( Mithali Raj (C) 58 , Harmanpreet Kaur 2)

Perry replaces Gardner, and is a lot more disciplined this time after the horror 16-run over earlier today. Harmanpreet Kaur’s off the mark in the meantime.

After 32 overs,India Women 162/3 ( Mithali Raj (C) 56 , Harmanpreet Kaur 0)

Brown delivers with the breakthrough as Bhatia departs after getting caught at sweeper cover while looking for another boundary. Raj, meanwhile, collects back-to-back doubles in the last two deliveries. Harmanpreet Kaur is the new batter at the crease at the moment.

OUT! Darcie Brown’s among the wickets again, as she breaks the flourishing third-wicket stand by getting rid of Yastika Bhatia, who departs after holing out to Perry at sweeper cover. Time for the players to have a drink now. IND 158/3

Bhatia c Perry b Brown 59(83)

After 31 overs,India Women 157/2 ( Yastika Bhatia 59 , Mithali Raj (C) 51)

Gardner replaces King. Raj collects a single off the first ball, followed by a couple of wides down leg. Bhatia then brings up her second ODI half-century with a late cut towards third man in the second delivery. Bhatia collects another boundary for herself later in this over, going for another late cut in the final ball. 13 from Gardner’s sixth over.

FOUR! Yastika Bhatia brings up her half-century the very next over after Mithali, going for a late cut off Gardner’s bowling to complete the milestone in 77 deliveries. IND 151/2

After 30 overs,India Women 144/2 ( Yastika Bhatia 49 , Mithali Raj (C) 50)

Meg Lanning turns to Darcie Brown hoping to get the breakthrough with the partnership starting to look worrisome now. Three from the over, including a single to Mithali in the fifth ball that brings up her half-century.

FIFTY up for Mithali Raj — her 63rd in ODI cricket! Brings up the milestone with a single in the penultimate ball of the 30th over. Has consumed 77 balls so far, collecting three fours and a six, and will be delighted to be back among the runs after struggling in the previous four games. IND 144/2

After 29 overs,India Women 141/2 ( Yastika Bhatia 48 , Mithali Raj (C) 48)

FOUR! Yastika decides to keep the fireworks coming, dancing down the track and going for a heave towards the cow corner fence, where the ball lands just short of the boundary cushion. Single off each of the fourth and fifth deliveries. Six from the over.

After 28 overs,India Women 135/2 ( Yastika Bhatia 43 , Mithali Raj (C) 47)

Single off each of the first three balls of the over, with Mithali bringing up the century stand in the second delivery. The Indian skipper later collects her first six of the tournament after dancing down the track and smashing the ball straight down the ground. Nine off Jonassen’s fourth over.

The century stand comes up between Bhatia and Mithali for the third wicket, the pair having consumed 139 deliveries so far. Mithali sweeps towards fine leg for a single off Jonassen’s bowling to bring up the milestone. IND 128/2

After 27 overs,India Women 126/2 ( Yastika Bhatia 41 , Mithali Raj (C) 40)

Three singles collected in King’s third over, both Bhatia and Raj entering the 40s now.

After 26 overs,India Women 123/2 ( Yastika Bhatia 39 , Mithali Raj (C) 39)

Good over for the Indians with eight coming off McGrath’s fifth, including a brace to Mithali in the second ball as well as a couple of wides in the fifth ball. Partnership’s currently worth 95.

After 25 overs,India Women 115/2 ( Yastika Bhatia 37 , Mithali Raj (C) 35)

Tidy over from King with just two coming from it, Raj and Bhatia collecting a single each. Both batters are in the 30s at the moment. India progressing nicely at the halfway stage.

After 24 overs,India Women 113/2 ( Yastika Bhatia 36 , Mithali Raj (C) 34)

Change of ends for McGrath. Four runs collected in the first five deliveries, including a brace to Raj in the third delivery, before Bhatia drills the ball down the ground to end the over with a boundary. Eight from the over.

After 23 overs,India Women 105/2 ( Yastika Bhatia 31 , Mithali Raj (C) 31)

Leg-spinner Alana King introduced in the attack in place of Tahlia McGrath. Starts off with a wide followed by a single to Bhatia as she runs the ball down to wide long on. Misfield by Jonassen at extra cover allows Mithali a single in the fourth ball. Bhatia keeps the strike with a single off the last ball.

After 22 overs,India Women 101/2 ( Yastika Bhatia 29 , Mithali Raj (C) 30)

Deft late cut from Mithali at the start of Gardner’s fifth over, the Indian skipper placing it wide of the keeper as well as short third man to collect her third boundary of the innings — that’s more than the total number of fours she had managed in the previous four outings. She comes back for a third after driving the ball through the covers to bring up the 100 for the Indians. Bhatia collects a single off the last ball to keep the strike.

After 21 overs,India Women 93/2 ( Yastika Bhatia 28 , Mithali Raj (C) 23)

Single off each of the first three balls of McGrath’s third over. Bhatia, meanwhile, looks like she’s itching to get a boundary to break the shackles with both Gardner and McGrath bowling tight lines in the last few overs. Three from the over.

After 20 overs,India Women 90/2 ( Yastika Bhatia 27 , Mithali Raj (C) 21)

Bhatia’s lucky to escape a couple of dismissal chances in this over — from a stumping chance in the first delivery to the ball nearly hitting the stumps in the last ball after the southpaw exposes all three stumps while looking to scoop the ball towards fine leg. Four from Gardner’s fourth over.

After 19 overs,India Women 86/2 ( Yastika Bhatia 26 , Mithali Raj (C) 20)

Three from McGrath’s second over of the day, including a brace to Raj off the last ball after a well-timed drive by the captain.

After 18 overs,India Women 83/2 ( Yastika Bhatia 25 , Mithali Raj (C) 18)

Seven from Gardner’s third over, including three wides in the penultimate ball that brings up the fifty stand for the third wicket. India have made a decent recovery after losing both openers inside the powerplay, and the Bhatia-Raj pair will hope to lay the foundation for a sizeable total from here.

FIFTY partnership up between Yastika Bhatia and Mithali Raj for the third wicket, thanks to three wides being added to the Indian total in the fifth ball of the 18th over after Ash Gardner fires one down the leg side that deflects off the keeper’s pad. IND 80/2

After 17 overs,India Women 76/2 ( Yastika Bhatia 23 , Mithali Raj (C) 18)

Tahlia McGrath’s off to a tidy start after being brought in place of Jess Jonassen, conceding just one off it with Bhatia collecting a single in the penultimate delivery.

After 16 overs,India Women 75/2 ( Yastika Bhatia 22 , Mithali Raj (C) 18)

Good over from Gardner as she collects a maiden. Time for the players to have a drink now.

After 15 overs,India Women 75/2 ( Yastika Bhatia 22 , Mithali Raj (C) 18)

Bhatia collects a single off the third delivery, before Mithali adds to her boundary count with a lovely drive past extra cover in the fourth ball. She repeats the shot two balls later, this time coming back for a third as McGrath puts in a slide near the boundary. She’s batting on 18 at the end of this over, and much to her team’s delight, is finally starting to express herself at the centre.

After 14 overs,India Women 67/2 ( Yastika Bhatia 21 , Mithali Raj (C) 11)

Perry is taken off the attack after all, with Ash Gardner replacing her. Mithali, meanwhile, collects her first boundary of the innings — and only her third of the World Cup so far — with a deft late cut towards third man in the third ball. Four from the over.

After 13 overs,India Women 63/2 ( Yastika Bhatia 21 , Mithali Raj (C) 7)

Jonassen maintains her discipline after things go haywire in Perry’s first over, conceding just three singles. Decent partnership so far between Bhatia and Raj, worth 35 at the end of this over with Bhatia batting on 21 at the moment.

After 12 overs,India Women 60/2 ( Yastika Bhatia 20 , Mithali Raj (C) 5)

Ellyse Perry’s introduced in the 12th over, and is off to a nightmare of a start as she starts off with a 16-run over, 10 of which are wides. Bhatia also adds to her boundary column, tickling the ball past the keeper towards fine leg. Perry was especially struggling with bowling around the wicket, the angle of the delivery carrying the ball well past the keeper down leg and all the way to fine leg for five wides. Wonder if Lanning will keep her in the attack.

After 11 overs,India Women 44/2 ( Yastika Bhatia 15 , Mithali Raj (C) 4)

Spin introduced after the first powerplay as Jess Jonassen replaces Megan Schutt. Bhatia collects a brace off the first delivery as she tucks the ball behind square leg, before working the ball through midwicket for a single next ball. Single to Mithali in the fourth delivery. Bhatia gets a lucky reprieve in the final delivery after a thick top-edge off an ambitious sweep lands short of fine leg. Five from Jonassen’s first over.

After 10 overs,India Women 39/2 ( Yastika Bhatia 11 , Mithali Raj (C) 3)

Bhatia collects a single off a thick edge that flies past second slip; lucky for her there was no Mooney at gully. Tidy over from Brown with just one coming from it as India reach 39/2 at the end of the first powerplay.

After 9 overs,India Women 38/2 ( Yastika Bhatia 10 , Mithali Raj (C) 3)

FOUR! Confidence-boosting boundary for Bhatia after she cuts a short, wide delivery from Schutt behind point in the third ball. She keeps the strike with a single off the last delivery.

After 8 overs,India Women 33/2 ( Yastika Bhatia 5 , Mithali Raj (C) 3)

Brown bowls a wide down the leg side in the fourth delivery before Raj collects a brace off a cover drive. Three from the over. India going at four-an-over so far.

After 7 overs,India Women 30/2 ( Yastika Bhatia 5 , Mithali Raj (C) 1)

Tidy over from Schutt, with just two singles coming from it as skipper Mithali opens her account. India, meanwhile, are starting to follow a familiar pattern of going into a shell after a couple of early wickets.

After 6 overs,India Women 28/2 ( Yastika Bhatia 4 , Mithali Raj (C) 0)

Just when Verma was starting to look dangerous for the Aussies, Brown strikes again to account for both Indian openers. Verma tried to guide the short, wide delivery towards third man, and would’ve perhaps collected a boundary had it not been for Beth Mooney’s incredible reflexes at gully. Just a run and a wicket from this over. Mithali Raj is the new batter in at the moment.

OUT! Shafali Verma departs after a promising start, thanks to a superb catch at gully by Beth Mooney! What a spell this is turning out to be for Darcie Brown! IND 28/2

Verma c Mooney b Brown 12(16)

After 5 overs,India Women 27/1 ( Shafali Verma 12 , Yastika Bhatia 3)

SIX! Slapped straight down the ground, as Shafali off Schutt’s bowling. Was in the slot, and she’s not one to pass such opportunities up. Verma follows it up with a boundary, steering the ball behind square and threading the gap  between backward point and short third man. Good over for the Indians with 12 coming from Schutt’s third over.

After 4 overs,India Women 15/1 ( Shafali Verma 1 , Yastika Bhatia 2)

Brown gives Australia the ideal start after Lanning decision’s to bowl as the former gets rid of the in-form Mandhana with a full, wide delivery at the start of her second over. Yastika Bhatia walks in next and she gets off the mark with a brace in the third delivery of the over. Couple of wides conceded by Brown thereafter. Four runs and a wicket from the over.

OUT! Edged… and taken! Darcie Brown gets the early breakthrough, and it is the in-form Mandhana who departs for 10 after getting a thick outside edge to Lanning at first slip. Full and wide from Brown, Mandhana was tempted into the cover drive. A bit too wide for that shot though. IND 11/1

Mandhana c Lanning b Brown 10(11)

After 3 overs,India Women 11/0 ( Smriti Mandhana 10 , Shafali Verma 1)

Tidy second over from Schutt with just a single coming from it, with Mandhana collecting a single off the second delivery. Verma’s nearly caught at short third man in the third delivery.

After 2 overs,India Women 10/0 ( Smriti Mandhana 9 , Shafali Verma 1)

Darcie Brown, included in place of Annabel Sutherland today, bowls the second over. Single collected off each of the first two balls before she bowls a loose delivery down leg that Mandhana tickles past the keeper for the first boundary of the innings. She collects a single off the fifth before Brown ends the over with a dot.

After 1 over,India Women 3/0 ( Smriti Mandhana 3 , Shafali Verma 0)

Smriti Mandhana’s off the mark right away with a push through the covers, collecting a brace, before collecting a single three balls later. Three from the first over of the innings.

Shafali Verma walks out to open the innings alongside Smriti Mandhana for a change, with Yastika Bhatia coming in at No 3 today. Megan Schutt gears up to bowl the first over of the day.

Another milestone for Goswami!

Nasser Hussain analyses the Eden Park surface:

“It is an unusual-shaped ground. Fairly short square. There are pockets where they have to run hard. New pitch, a drop-in pitch, and it looks a good one. No wonder Lanning opted to bowl. Don’t think it will spin much. India struggled against Charlie Dean in the last game and she hardly spun the ball. Australia have a similar bowler in Ash Gardner. Flat pitch, not a lot of spin, belt it down the ground. Should be a cracker.”

Teams:

India XI: Shafali Verma, Smriti Mandhana, Yastika Bhatia, Mithali Raj (c), Harmanpreet Kaur, Richa Ghosh (wk), Sneh Rana, Pooja Vastrakar, Jhulan Goswami, Meghna Singh, Rajeshwari Gayakwad

Australia XI:  Rachael Haynes, Alyssa Healy (wk), Meg Lanning (c), Ellyse Perry, Beth Mooney, Tahlia McGrath, Ashleigh Gardner, Jess Jonassen, Alana King, Megan Schutt, Darcie Brown

Mithali Raj: We would’ve bowled.  As she said, it’s a fresh wicket that’s good for the bowlers. We have one change, Shafali Verma comes in. We’ve done well in the last couple of games, and we’d like to continue. The pep talk is to get the A game out.

Meg Lanning: It’s a fresh wicket, so hopefully we can get off to a good start. One change, Darcie Brown comes in. This is a massive game, India have been playing well. They’re very dangerous, got some world-class players and some great depth too.

TOSS: Australia win the toss, and skipper Meg Lanning opts to bowl

India’s path to the semi-finals of the 2022 ICC Women’s World Cup has become a bit tricky following their four-wicket loss at the hands of defendeing champions England, especially since they face the likes of Australia and South Africa — the two unbeaten sides of the tournament — in the remainder of the group stage.

Read: How India can qualify for Women’s Cricket World Cup 2022 semi-finals

India, meanwhile, are under further pressure as far as the race to the semis is concerned following West Indies’ four-run victory over Bangladesh in a low-scoring thriller at the Bay Oval in Mount Maunganui on Friday, with the West Indians jumping to the third spot ahead of India on the points table.

Six-time champions Australia are one of the only two sides yet to lose a game in the tournament. Along with South Africa, Meg Lanning’s side have won four in four and currently boast of the best run rate (+1.744), thanks to their one-sided wins against Pakistan, New Zealand and West Indies after a 12-run win over England in their opening encounter.

Safe to say thus that facing the Aussies will be India’s toughest challenge yet at the World Cup.

Hello and welcome to the coverage of the 18th match of the Women’s Cricket World Cup 2022 between India and Australia at Eden Park in Auckland. Match starts at 6.30 am on 19th March with the toss taking place at 6 am. Follow this space for live scores and updates.