Brisbane, Dec 8 (FN Agency) Australia Women secured a commanding victory over India Women in the second ODI of the three-match series, with centuries from Georgia Voll and Ellyse Perry propelling the visitors to an imposing total of 371. In reply, India could only manage 249, handing Australia an unassailable 2-0 lead in the series.This win solidifies Australia’s position at the top of the ICC Women’s Championship standings with 32 points, extending their lead over second-placed England (28 points).India, currently in third place with 25 points, still have seven matches remaining in the cycle, including one against Australia, three against West Indies, and three against Ireland. Meanwhile, Australia have four matches left to play, including the final ODI of this series and three against New Zealand.Tahlia McGrath, standing in as captain in Alyssa Healy’s absence, chose to bat first after winning the toss. Openers Phoebe Litchfield and Georgia Voll laid the perfect platform with a 130-run stand. Litchfield was dismissed for a brisk 60 by Saima Thakur, but Voll continued to dominate.Joined by the experienced Ellyse Perry, Voll brought up her maiden international century in just her second match, showcasing immense composure. The pair added 92 runs for the second wicket before Voll was dismissed for 108.
Perry, undeterred, formed another vital partnership with Beth Mooney, adding 98 runs.Perry reached her third WODI century, scoring 112 before being dismissed in the 48th over. Contributions from Mooney (54) and McGrath (20) saw Australia finish with a daunting 371.India’s chase began poorly as Smriti Mandhana was bowled by Kim Garth in the fourth over. Harleen Deol’s departure shortly after the powerplay deepened India’s woes. A steadying partnership between Richa Ghosh and captain Harmanpreet Kaur added 66 runs before Ghosh, the top scorer with 54, was bowled by Alana King. Jemimah Rodrigues (43) and Kaur added 37 runs, but wickets fell at regular intervals, stalling India’s momentum. Minnu Mani’s valiant 46, batting with the lower order, helped India surpass 200 but was insufficient to mount a serious challenge.The third and final ODI will be played at the WACA in Perth on Wednesday, 11 December, offering India a chance to regain some pride in the series.This comprehensive victory further underscores Australia’s dominance in women’s cricket, with both bat and ball working in tandem to secure another series triumph.