Bolton, spinners set up Australia’s facile win over India

Bolton’s fourth ODI hundred ensured Australia reached a modest 201-run target in just 32.1 overs. The experienced Ellyse Perry (25 not out) hit the winning four. 

India would have been bowled out for far less if it was not for the 76-run partnership between Sushma Verma (41) and Pooja Vastrakar (51) for the eighth wicket, helping India muster 200 in 50 overs. 

Left-arm spinner Jess Jonassen led a stellar show from the Australian spinners, taking four wickets for 30 runs in 10 overs. Leggie Amanda-Jade Wellington picked up three wickets and Ashleigh Gardner removed Smriti Mandhana (12). 

It was a sweet result for the visitors, who had lost to India in the World Cup semifinals. The second ODI will be played here on Thursday. 

Australia was never in any sort of difficulty during the chase with Bolton anchoring the innings. Her sublime innings was laced with 12 fours. Bolton’s opening partner Alyssa Healy made 38 and captain Meg Lanning 33 before being run out. 

Electing to bat after winning the toss, India lost wickets at regular intervals before Vastrakar and Verma steadied the ship with sensible batting. 

This was the 18-year-old Vastrakar’s maiden half century, and she laced her crucial knock with seven boundaries and a six, while Verma found the fence three times during her 71ball innings. The total looked a far cry when Shikha Pandey was dismissed in the 32nd over with the score reading 113 for seven. That was the time when Verma and Vastrakar joined hands to bail India out of a precarious situation. 

The host was off to a steady start with openers, Punam Raut (37) and Mandhana, putting on 38 runs in nine overs.

BRIEF SCORES: India Women 200 in 50 overs (P Raut 37, S Verma 41, P Vastrakar 51, J Jonassen 4/30, A Wellington 3/24) lost to Australia Women 202/2 in 32.1 overs (N Bolton 100*, A Healy 38).