<p>Skipper Mithali Raj led from the front with an 89-run knock to save the Indian women's cricket team from a whitewash by guiding it to a comfortable five- wicket in the third and final ODI against Australia here today.<br /><br />The Indians, having already surrendered the series by losing the first two matches, managed to end the tour on a positive note with today's consolation victory.<br /><br />Electing to bat after winning the toss, the Australian team lost a couple of early wickets before half-centuries by Elyse Perry (50) and Alex Blackwell (60) helped the team post 231/7 in their 50 overs.<br /><br />Blackwell's 60 from 64 balls was noteworthy given that Australia's strong batting line-up struggled to score freely in the face of a disciplined bowling display from India<br /><br />Perry, on the other hand, took 91 deliveries to reach her milestone.<br />For India, Shikha Pandey snared 3 for 50 in her 10 overs, while Rajeshwari Gayakwad also picked up a couple of wickets for 41.</p>.<p><br />In reply, the Indians were off to a solid start with in- form opener Smriti Mandhana striking a 52-ball 55. Mandhana partnered Mithali in a 58-runs second-wicket stand which set the tone for a smooth chase.<br /><br />During her 112-ball stay, Mithali struck 12 fours and set the platform for Harmanpreet Kaur (22) and Poonam Raut (24 not out) to steer India home in 47 overs.<br /><br />For Australia, Perry was the most successful bowler with figures of 2/50 in 10 overs.<br />Before the ODIs, the Indian eves had notched up a historic 2-1 Twenty20 series triumph over the hosts.<br /><br />Brief Scores:<br />Australia Women: 231/7 in 50 overs (Alex Blackwell 60, Elyse Perry 50, Shikha Pandey 3/50).<br />India Women: 234/5 in 47 overs (Mithali Raj 89, Elyse Perry 2/50). </p>
<p>Skipper Mithali Raj led from the front with an 89-run knock to save the Indian women's cricket team from a whitewash by guiding it to a comfortable five- wicket in the third and final ODI against Australia here today.<br /><br />The Indians, having already surrendered the series by losing the first two matches, managed to end the tour on a positive note with today's consolation victory.<br /><br />Electing to bat after winning the toss, the Australian team lost a couple of early wickets before half-centuries by Elyse Perry (50) and Alex Blackwell (60) helped the team post 231/7 in their 50 overs.<br /><br />Blackwell's 60 from 64 balls was noteworthy given that Australia's strong batting line-up struggled to score freely in the face of a disciplined bowling display from India<br /><br />Perry, on the other hand, took 91 deliveries to reach her milestone.<br />For India, Shikha Pandey snared 3 for 50 in her 10 overs, while Rajeshwari Gayakwad also picked up a couple of wickets for 41.</p>.<p><br />In reply, the Indians were off to a solid start with in- form opener Smriti Mandhana striking a 52-ball 55. Mandhana partnered Mithali in a 58-runs second-wicket stand which set the tone for a smooth chase.<br /><br />During her 112-ball stay, Mithali struck 12 fours and set the platform for Harmanpreet Kaur (22) and Poonam Raut (24 not out) to steer India home in 47 overs.<br /><br />For Australia, Perry was the most successful bowler with figures of 2/50 in 10 overs.<br />Before the ODIs, the Indian eves had notched up a historic 2-1 Twenty20 series triumph over the hosts.<br /><br />Brief Scores:<br />Australia Women: 231/7 in 50 overs (Alex Blackwell 60, Elyse Perry 50, Shikha Pandey 3/50).<br />India Women: 234/5 in 47 overs (Mithali Raj 89, Elyse Perry 2/50). </p>