BRISBANE: Alyssa Healy began her final series before retirement with a half-century as Australia eased to a six-wicket victory over India in the opening one-day international.
She scored 50 off 70 balls opening the batting as Australia chased down a target of 215 with 11.4 overs to spare in the day-night match at Allan Border Field in Brisbane. Beth Mooney made a fluent 76 off 79 balls before all-rounder Annabel Sutherland hit an unbeaten 48, sealing victory with a six off Deepti Sharma.
Hobart will stage the final two matches of the series, on Friday and Sunday. Australia’s defeat by India in the T20 series this month was their first at home in nine years. “A little bit was put on us about how we were going to bounce back,” said Healy.
“To come out and play the way we did today was clinical. I’m proud of the group.” Captain Harmanpreet Kaur and Smriti Mandhana made gritty half-centuries in India’s 214 all out, while Kashvee Gautam contributed 43 from number eight. Off-spinner Ash Gardner claimed 3-33 and seamer Megan Schutt 2-42.
