|
|
India kicked up its Super Six campaign in style, by beating the defending champion Australia by 16 runs in the ICC Women's World Cup in Sydney on Saturday (14th March). Australian skipper Karen Rolton's decision to field first proved to be a wrong one as Indian openers Anagha Despandhe (45) and Anjum Chopra (76) gave a steady start to the Indian innings by putting 69 runs for the first wicket partnership.
Anjum also built a solid partnership of 56 runs with in-form Mithali Raj (44) for the second wicket and laid the foundation of the Indian innings. A late onslaught by Amita Sharma (31) and Harmanpreet Kaur helped the Indians to accumulate 73 runs in the last seven overs and take the total to 234 for five in the allotted 50 overs. For Aussie, India-born Lisa Sthalekar was the pick of the bowlers, picking up three wickets for 52 runs.
Although Australia started well, Indian bowlers led by Jhulan Goswami restricted the hosts to 219 for seven in their 50 overs. The only Australian batters, who resisted Indian attack was Alex Blackwell by scoring 54 runs. For India, Reena Malhotra and Sultana scalped two wickets each, while Goswami, Rumeli Dhar and Sharma picked up one wicket each. With this defeat Australia left with two points. They must ensure victories in all the remaining matches to remain in the tournament.
