Top 5 biggest ODI defeats for Australia Women by margin of runs

The Australian Women’s cricket team, renowned for their dominance in international cricket, has enjoyed a storied history of success in One Day Internationals (ODIs). However, even the most formidable teams face setbacks, and Australia Women are no exception. While their victories often grab headlines, their rare defeats provide valuable insight into the challenges they’ve faced against top-tier opposition.

Recently, Australia faced India in the second ODI in Chandigarh and it turned out to be a bad day at the office for the Aussies. The Indian women’s team delivered a stunning performance, handing the Australian women’s team their biggest-ever defeat in ODIs by runs. This landmark victory, which took place in Mullanpur, saw India win by a massive margin of 102 runs, breaking a 52-year-old record. This new defeat is a significant event, especially as it comes just before the 2025 Women’s World Cup, serving as a wake-up call for the dominant Australian side. On that note, let’s have a look at the five biggest defeat of Australia by runs in ODI cricket.

5 biggest defeat margins for Australia women in ODIs (by runs)

5) 82 runs vs New Zealand, Lincoln, 2008

During the second game of Australia’s Women tour of New Zealand in 2008, the visitors suffered a devastating defeat. New Zealand, batting first, put up a competitive total of 238/7. In the chase, the Australian batters struggled to build partnerships against a disciplined Kiwi bowling attack. Lucy Doolan was the pick of the bowlers for the White Ferns, taking three wickets as Australia was bowled out for 156, falling 82 runs short of the target.

4. 84 runs vs South Africa, North Sydney, 2024

In what was an historic upset, South Africa achieved their first-ever ODI victory against Australia, and they did it on Australian soil in the 2nd game at North Sydney. The match was affected by rain, and a revised DLS target was set. South Africa, propelled by a brilliant all-round performance from Marizanne Kapp (75 runs and 3 wickets), posted 229/6. Australia’s chase of the revised target of 234 was disastrous, with Kapp’s fiery spell tearing through their top order. The Aussies were bowled out for 149 in 29.3 overs, resulting in a stunning defeat.

3. 88 runs vs India, Chennai, 2004

Australia’s 2004 tour of India was indeed memorable for them as they won the 7-match ODI series by 4-3. However, in the final game, India put on a solid performance with both bat and ball. Batting first, the Women in Blue posted a modest total of 165/9. But, their bowlers, led by Amita Sharma, completely dismantled the Australian batting lineup. The visitors were bowled out for a mere 77 runs, their lowest-ever ODI total at the time, and losing the contest by 88 runs.

Also READ: Fans go wild as India humiliate Australia with a historic win in the second Women’s ODI to level the series 1-1

2. 92 runs vs England, Edgbaston, 1973

One of Australia’s biggest ODI loss came back in 1973 during the inaugural Women’s Cricket World Cup against England. The match was a crucial one in the round-robin format, with England ultimately winning the tournament. England’s star batter, Enid Bakewell, was the architect of the win, scoring a magnificent 118. Her century, along with a half-century from captain Rachael Heyhoe Flint, propelled England to a large total of 279/3 in their 60 overs. Australia, in their chase, were never in the game and could only manage 187/9, losing the game by 92 runs.

1. 102 runs vs India, Mullanpur, 2025

Australia’s most recent and biggest-ever defeat in ODIs by runs came against India in Mullanpur. The second ODI was a masterclass from the Indian team. Smriti Mandhana set the tone with a brilliant century, scoring 117 off 91 balls, the fastest ODI hundred by an Indian woman against Australia. This helped India post a formidable total of 292. In response, Australia’s batting lineup struggled against a disciplined Indian bowling attack, led by Kranti Goud (3/29) and Deepti Sharma (2/24). The Australian team was bowled out for 190, marking a historic win for India on home soil after 18 years and a significant defeat for the reigning champions.

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This article was first published at WomenCricket.com, a Cricket Times company.