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Phoebe Litchfield, in a stunning display of batting prowess, secured her second one-day international century, in the 3rd WODI against India at Mumbai’s Wankhede Stadium. After noteworthy performances in the earlier two matches, Litchfield continued her fine form, crafting a splendid innings of 119 from 125 deliveries. Her impeccable timing and composure were evident as she led the Australian charge against India, helping the visitors post 338/7 in their 50 overs after opting to bat first in the final game.
Phoebe Litchfield’s record-breaking opening stand with Alyssa Healy
Litchfield’s innings was complemented by a record-breaking 189-run opening partnership against India Women with captain Alyssa Healy. Healy, who had faced a recent streak of low scores, found her rhythm with a resilient knock of 82 off 85 balls. The dynamic duo set the stage for Australia’s formidable total, posing a significant challenge for the Indian bowling attack.
India’s fightback and Litchfield’s resilience
Despite the strong start, India mounted a comeback by dismissing Healy and claiming three more wickets, reducing Australia from 189/1 to 216/4. In the face of mounting pressure, Litchfield exhibited remarkable resilience, holding her nerve as wickets fell at the other end. Her ability to anchor the innings and reach the century in modest fashion showcased her maturity at the crease.
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Late flourish takes Australia close to 340
With Litchfield’s departure, Australia faced a critical juncture, but a strong cameo from players like Ashleigh Gardener, Annabel Sutherland and Alana King propelled the team beyond the 300-mark. The late flourish in the innings elevated Australia’s total, bringing them close to the 340 runs mark.
Daunting task ahead of Team India
For India, Sheryanka Patil emerged as the most successful bowler, picking three wickets, while Amanjot Kaur grabbed two. Australia already hold a commanding 2-0 lead in the series. To prevent a whitewash, India will need to chase the challenging target of 339.
Here’s how Twitter reacted:
you know I had no idea who Phoebe Litchfield was this time last year. my introduction was her hammering us in the first 2 ODIs, then I celebrated like crazy when Fatima got her early in the 3rd. and now she’s the first centurion of 2024 and everyone knows her name. well-deserved
— eman (@exharrie) January 2, 2024
Phoebe Litchfield is going to score an obscene amount of runs over the next 15 years.
— Daniel Cherny (@DanielCherny) January 2, 2024
Phoebe Litchfield is an absolute pleasure to watch #AUSvIND
— Isa Guha (@isaguha) January 2, 2024
Phoebe Litchfield scored her 2nd ODI Hundred in 3rd ODI vs India
She has 2 Hundreds and 4 Fifties in just 13 ODI innings
Super star in making#INDvsAUS pic.twitter.com/TK8I2EaNTm
— Don Cricket 🏏 (@doncricket_) January 2, 2024
Shreyanka Patil is here to stay 👏🏻 #INDvsAUS
— Dodda Ganesh | ದೊಡ್ಡ ಗಣೇಶ್ (@doddaganesha) January 2, 2024
Two games back to back where India started poorly (on different levels), came back into the game, and then lost all the gained advantage in the last few overs. #IndvAUS.
— Kartik O 🏏⚽🔗 (@KOCricket528) January 2, 2024
Phoebe Litchfield gets a century and Shreyanka Patil gets a threefer that includes the wickets of Beth Mooney, Tahlia McGrath and Ashleigh Gardner.
Just one innings in and I am already happy with this ODI. Hope India can pull off this steep chase!#INDvsAUS
— Darshan Senthil (@dagiroxforever7) January 2, 2024
Not Kohli, Not Smith, Not Rohit, Not Warner, Not Babar.
The first century of 2024 is scored by Phoebe Litchfield.#INDvsAUS pic.twitter.com/v8cTJPp408
— Classic Mojito (@classic_mojito) January 2, 2024
India need 339 runs to win the 3rd ODI 🏏#women #cricket #INDvAUS #indiancricket #australiacricket #ODI #CricketTwitter #WomenCricket pic.twitter.com/INbWNwJgOj
— WomenCricket.com (@WomenCricketHQ) January 2, 2024
The Aussies finish with 338/7.
This is Australia's highest total against India in women's ODIs. It beats their previous best of 328/7 which they scored in Vadodara in 2018. Look at the Aussie side then.
Photo: @vsoneji24 /18 March, 2018#INDvAUS @sportstarweb pic.twitter.com/tEhCWfDFiD
— Lavanya 🎙️🎥👩🏻💻 (@lav_narayanan) January 2, 2024
Innings Break!
Australia post 338/7 on the board.
3⃣ wickets for @shreyanka_patil
2⃣ wickets for Amanjot Kaur
1⃣ wicket each for @Deepti_Sharma06 & @Vastrakarp25Over to our batters now 👍 👍
Scorecard ▶️ https://t.co/XFE9a14lAW #TeamIndia | #INDvAUS | @IDFCFIRSTBank pic.twitter.com/PR486mEcrU
— BCCI Women (@BCCIWomen) January 2, 2024
Another brilliant finish from Alana King who smacks 26 off 14 to power us to a huge total after Phoebe Litchfield's stunning hundred!
Scorecard: https://t.co/Wh2aQRIKdu #INDvAUS pic.twitter.com/gKGMz49hD1
— Australian Women's Cricket Team 🏏 (@AusWomenCricket) January 2, 2024
This article was first published at WomenCricket.com, a Cricket Times company.