Indian eves off to disastrous start

India’s batting fell like a house of cards as they were all out for just 62 runs after being invited to bat at Toby Howe Cricket Ground. The Australian eves overhauled the target with 9.4 overs to spare with Leah Poulton scoring an unbeaten 31 and Meg Lanning contributing 23 runs.

Harmanpreet Kaur waged a brave lonely fight during the Indian innings with a gritty 41 off 49 balls. Four of Indian batters recorded ducks and the highest contribution after Harmanpreet’s knock came in the form of extras (6).

Fast bowler Clea Smith began the rot by removing both the Indian openers Poonam Raut (4) and Anagha Deshpande (1). India never recovered from the disastrous start and managed to cross the 50-run mark only due to Harmanpreet’s knock.

Diana David, Amita Sharma, Snehal Pradhan and Gouher Sulatana could not open their accounts. Smith (2/16) and Shelley Nitscke (2/10) took two wickets each for Australia.

Brief scores: India: 62 all out in 18.2 overs (Harmanpreet Kaur 41; Clea Smith 2-16, Sarah Coyte 4-5, Shelley Nitschke 2-10) lt to Australia: 63/2 in 10.2 overs (Leah Poulton 31 n.o.)