Uncover the highlights of Australia’s impressive 122-run win in the Seal Series, featuring standout performances by Perry and Voll. Read more for in-depth analysis.
Introduction:
Georgia Voll and Ellyse Perry batted wonderfully as Australia won the ODI series by dominating India by 122 runs at Allan Border Field. Voll made her maiden century and Perry played vintage cricket to take Australia to a total of 371 for 8, which is their third-highest in ODI cricket. That left India with an uphill task that they could not overcome.
Batting Blitz by Australia
Batting first, having won the toss, Australia’s top order completely overran India’s bowling attack on a hot day in Brisbane. Georgia Voll, the fill-in for the injured Alyssa Healy, looked like herself and slammed a sizzling 101 off 87 balls.
Opening alongside 21-year-old Phoebe Litchfield, Voll dominated the early proceedings. The pair put up 130 runs for the first wicket, which gave strong foundation to Australia. Composed 60 off 63 balls, Litchfield, while showing maturity, complemented Voll’s belligerent stroke play.
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Voll’s driving and footwork against the spinners stood out, and she reached her century with a flick to the leg side, which earned applause from an appreciative crowd. Her knock featured 12 boundaries and highlighted her meteoric rise following an impressive WBBL season.
After Voll’s dismissal, Ellyse Perry took charge, reminding the cricketing world of her class. Smashing an Australian record six sixes, Perry blazed to 105 off 75 balls, becoming the fourth Australian woman to surpass 4,000 ODI runs. Supported by Beth Mooney’s brisk 56 off 44 balls, Perry helped Australia post a record-breaking total for the venue.
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India’s bowlers were unable to hold off the onslaught, except for debut off-spinner Minnu Mani. Mani picked two wickets and added an unbeaten 46 to his batting effort. The rest of the day wasn’t so easy for India.
Chasing a mammoth 372, India showed more fight than in the first ODI, where they were bowled out for just 100. Richa Ghosh, promoted to open, led India’s response with an attractive 54 off 72 balls. Early breakthroughs by Kim Garth and disciplined bowling from Australia stifled India’s progress.
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Ghosh’s dismissal, bowled round her legs by leg-spinner Alana King, placed added pressure on captain Harmanpreet Kaur. With confidence, Harmanpreet started off smashing one ball for a four down the ground and hoiked over the ropes for yet another. She fell to Meg Schutt for 38 in the 28th over, effectively ending India’s slim hopes.
Jemimah Rodrigues added a spirited 43 off 39 balls, and Minnu Mani contributed a fighting 46 not out, but India ultimately folded for 249 in the 45th over. Opener Priya Punia could not bat due to a fielding injury, and India’s batting order did not have the depth to chase down the daunting target.
Australia’s Bowling Masterclass
Australia’s bowling unit once again demonstrated its depth and skill. Megan Schutt, Kim Garth, and Annabel Sutherland led the attack, with Sutherland claiming 4 for 38. Alana King and Tahlia McGrath provided crucial breakthroughs, ensuring India never gained momentum.
Schutt’s dismissal of Harmanpreet was the turning point, while Sutherland’s four-wicket haul wrapped up the innings. The hosts’ bowlers maintained pressure throughout, exploiting the conditions and forcing mistakes from India’s batters.
Perry and Voll in the limelight
Ellyse Perry’s innings was a masterclass in power and precision. Her six sixes have set a new benchmark for Australian women in ODIs, and her ability to accelerate in the middle overs proved vital in building an unassailable total. Crossing 7,000 runs across formats in international cricket has further cemented her legacy.
Meanwhile, Georgia Voll continued well, scoring a mature and demanding century. She was well able to anchor the innings to accelerate when required, clearly showing her temperament and abilities, making her a rising star in the future.
Despite the loss, India can take heart from Minnu Mani’s all-round performance and Richa Ghosh’s adaptability as an opener. However, their bowling and fielding remain significant concerns. Missed chances, such as Priya Punia’s dropped catch of Litchfield, cost India dearly, while inconsistent bowling allowed Australia’s batters to dictate terms.
India’s batting too has to be more consistent. Though Ghosh and Rodrigues gave them those glimpses of brilliance, the middle order lacked solidity, and the absence of a finisher really told in their chase.
Future Ahead
The series has already been sealed. Now it is a final ODI for India to at least redeem some pride and take a few lessons home for future. For Australia, it is all about staying ahead in momentum and giving combinations a go ahead for future tournaments.
The performances of young stars like Voll and Litchfield have added to the depth of Australia, while experienced campaigners like Perry lead from the front. With the series nearing its end, fans can look forward to another exciting encounter between these two cricketing powerhouses.