Cricket – India Opt to Bat in Brisbane ODI Opener
Cricket – India Women began their three-match ODI campaign against Australia Women with a clear statement of intent, choosing to bat first after winning the toss at the Brisbane Cricket Ground on Tuesday, February 24, 2026. The decision marked the start of the 50-over leg following a competitive T20I series between the two sides.
India Back Themselves on Brisbane Surface
Captain Harmanpreet Kaur explained that the pitch conditions favored putting runs on the board early. She noted that the team was eager to make the most of the opportunity in the longer white-ball format, especially after securing a morale-boosting T20I series win. India had taken that contest 2-1, and the squad arrived in Brisbane determined to extend its momentum.
The visitors’ confidence stems from a well-rounded T20I performance. They clinched the opening match through the DLS method before Australia responded in the second game to level the series. India then delivered a composed display in the decider to seal the trophy. Smriti Mandhana stood out with the bat, accumulating 129 runs across the three matches. For Australia, Georgia Voll was the most consistent scorer with 116 runs. Arundhati Reddy proved effective with the ball, finishing as India’s leading wicket-taker with eight scalps.
Australia Seek Strong Start at Home
Australia captain Alyssa Healy admitted she would have preferred to bowl first but emphasized the need for a sharp beginning on what she described as a fresh surface. The hosts take pride in their strong ODI record and are keen to reassert themselves in the 50-over format after conceding the T20I series.
However, Australia entered the opener with setbacks. Senior all-rounder Ellyse Perry and pace-bowling option Kim Garth were ruled out due to injuries sustained during the third T20I. Their absence places additional responsibility on the remaining core group to deliver in familiar home conditions.
Australia will look to capitalize on their knowledge of the Brisbane venue and regain momentum in a format where they have traditionally excelled. The series offers an opportunity for the hosts to reset and build rhythm ahead of future international commitments.
Momentum Carries Into New Format
For India, the transition from T20Is to ODIs presents both opportunity and challenge. While the shorter format demands quick acceleration, the 50-over game tests depth in batting and discipline in bowling. Harmanpreet’s side appears prepared for that shift, banking on recent success to maintain composure under pressure.
The contest also highlights emerging talents alongside established names. Players such as Smriti Mandhana and Deepti Sharma provide experience, while younger members of the squad are gradually carving out roles in high-stakes fixtures. Australia, similarly, will rely on a blend of seasoned campaigners and developing prospects to navigate the series.
With both teams eyeing long-term preparation and immediate results, the Brisbane opener sets the tone for what promises to be a closely contested ODI series.
Playing XIs Confirmed for 1st ODI
Australia Women Playing XI: Alyssa Healy (c), Phoebe Litchfield, Georgia Voll, Beth Mooney (w), Annabel Sutherland, Ashleigh Gardner, Tahlia McGrath, Sophie Molineux, Alana King, Megan Schutt, Darcie Brown.
India Women Playing XI: Smriti Mandhana, Pratika Rawal, Shafali Verma, Harmanpreet Kaur (c), Jemimah Rodrigues, Richa Ghosh (w), Deepti Sharma, Kashvee Gautam, Shree Charani, Kranti Gaud, Renuka Singh Thakur.
The outcome of the first ODI will provide early direction in the three-match series, with both sides aiming to establish control and confidence in the 50-over format.