Voll century fires Australia in crushing win over India

Voll century fires Australia in crushing win over India

There is a sense that the youthful duo will pile on the runs for the next decade in Australian colours.

Litchfield lofted over the off side early and then went on the rampage on the leg side with power to take three consecutive boundaries off Kranti Gaud.

She went past 2000 international runs in all three formats before bringing up her half-century with a classic cover drive to the boundary, followed by another over it.

Both batters displayed maturity and great tempo throughout the innings.

Voll, who has been a revelation in her nine ODI matches, received magnificent support from Beth Mooney (31) – the pair adding 82 for the third wicket.

The second half-century partnership in a row between Harmanpreet (54) and allrounder Kashvee Gautam (25) gave India a modest total, well short of the 300-plus score the pitch suggested was a par tally.

Phoebe Litchfield of Australia bats during game two in Hobart.

Phoebe Litchfield of Australia bats during game two in Hobart.Credit: Getty Images

Annabel Sutherland took 2-37 and Australia’s spinners Ashleigh Gardner (2-39) and Alana King (2-41) did well to restrict India, who will rue not making the most of several dropped catches after winning the toss.

Australia suffered another injury blow ahead of the match with spinner and vice-captain Sophie Molineux ruled out of the entire series with a back injury.

Molineux’s place in the side was taken by allrounder Nicola Carey, in her first ODI since 2022.

India progressed to 0-78 before the hosts got into the contest.

In-form Smriti Mandhana (31) was bowled by Gardner while playing a paddle sweep.

At the other end, Pratika Rawal (52) was in serene form with her cover drives all class.

She threw it away when calling for an ill-advised single to mid-on. Harmanpreet turned her back and Rawal was stranded.

Deepti Sharma made just one before a swipe to deep midwicket off King brought about her demise.

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Mooney took a slick juggling catch to dismiss Amanjot Kaur, standing up to Carey, and wicketkeeper Ghosh (21) was looking dangerous until King trapped her in front and it was 6-162.

Gautam and Harmanpreet both then settled into a crucial stand.

Cricket Australia earlier confirmed Molineux would “be monitored ahead of the upcoming tour to the West Indies.”

Molineux, if fit, will captain the side in the Caribbean in mid-March with current skipper Alyssa Healy set to retire at the end of this series.

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