Australia beat Indian eves to wrap up ODI series

Vadodara (Gujarat): The Australian women defeated India by 60 runs in the second one day international (ODI) game to take an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match series on Thursday.

Coming in to bat first, the hosts scored a mammoth total of 287 runs for the loss of nine wickets.

Australian Opener Nicole Bolton provided a solid start to the team as she single-handedly scored 84 runs to win Player of The Match.

After Bolton’s departure, an outstanding 96-run stand from Beth Mooney (56) and Ellyse Perry (70 not out) ensured India will have to chase highest ever target against Australia to keep the series alive.

In reply, Indian opener Smriti Mandhana hit a half-century but no other batswomen made a significant contribution to the chase.

Mandhana’s opening partner Punam Raut struck 26, Deepti Sharma hit 26 while lower-order batsman Pooja Vastrakar scored 30.

Medium pacer Shikha Pandey bagged three wickets while Poonam Yadav picked two.

For Australia, Jess Jonassen was the top bowler with three wickets.

The third and final ODI between the two teams will be played on Sunday.

The ODI series will be followed by a trilateral T20I series, which will also involve England. (ANI)