India Opt to Bat in Historic ODI Series Opener Against Australia in New Chandigarh

India Opt to Bat in Historic ODI Series Opener Against Australia in New Chandigarh

India won the toss and chose to bat first in the opening ODI of their home series against Australia, marking the first-ever international match played at the newly inaugurated stadium in New Chandigarh. The match also marks significant milestones for both captains — Harmanpreet Kaur is playing her 150th ODI, while Australia’s Megan Schutt features in her 100th.

Speaking at the toss, Harmanpreet described the pitch as a “good batting wicket” and confirmed India’s intent to set a target. In a bold selection move, India fielded a spin-heavy attack, opting for four frontline spinners: Deepti Sharma, Sneh Rana, debutant N Sree Charani, and Radha Yadav, alongside a lone pace option in Kranti Goud. Renuka Singh, India’s premier fast bowler named in the squad, was notably left out of the playing XI.

Team Line-ups and Strategy

India’s XI featured a mix of experience and youth. The top order includes Smriti Mandhana, Harleen Deol, and Jemimah Rodrigues, with Harmanpreet and wicketkeeper Richa Ghosh forming the middle order. The emphasis clearly lies on spin as the primary weapon against Australia’s strong batting line-up.

Australia, on the other hand, went in with the same XI that helped them sweep the ODI leg of the Ashes earlier this year. Their spin trio includes Georgia Wareham, Alana King, and Ashleigh Gardner, supported by pace spearheads Megan Schutt and Kim Garth.

Their batting remains formidable, with Alyssa Healy (captain and wicketkeeper), Phoebe Litchfield, Ellyse Perry, and Beth Mooney forming a solid top four. Tahlia McGrath and Annabel Sutherland add depth in the middle order.

Landmark Caps

  • Harmanpreet Kaur: 150th ODI – becomes the fourth Indian woman to reach the milestone.

  • Megan Schutt: 100th ODI – one of Australia’s most consistent fast bowlers.

Playing XIs

India:

  1. Pratika Rawal

  2. Smriti Mandhana

  3. Harleen Deol

  4. Harmanpreet Kaur (capt)

  5. Jemimah Rodrigues

  6. Richa Ghosh (wk)

  7. Deepti Sharma

  8. Sneh Rana

  9. N Sree Charani

  10. Radha Yadav

  11. Kranti Goud

Australia:

  1. Alyssa Healy (capt & wk)

  2. Phoebe Litchfield

  3. Ellyse Perry

  4. Beth Mooney

  5. Annabel Sutherland

  6. Ashleigh Gardner

  7. Tahlia McGrath

  8. Georgia Wareham

  9. Alana King

  10. Kim Garth

  11. Megan Schutt

The series opener sets the stage for a high-quality contest between two of the top sides in women’s cricket, with India looking to challenge Australia's dominance on home soil and gain crucial momentum in the lead-up to next year’s global tournaments.