• Source:JND
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IND-W vs AUS-W: Pratika Rawal and Smriti Mandhana's blistering hundred-run opening partnership powered India Women to a competitive total of 281/7 against Australia Women in the first ODI of the three-match series at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium in Mullanpur on Sunday.

Fifties from opening batters Pratika Rawal (64 off 96 balls) and Smriti Mandhana (58 off 63 balls) laid a solid foundation for India.

India were well-served by half-centuries from Pratika Rawal (64 off 96 balls), Smriti Mandhana (58 off 63), and Harleen Deol (54 off 57) after skipper Harmanpreet Kaur opted to bat in her 150th match in this format.

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India were off to a fantastic beginning after the opening duo of Rawal and vice-captain Mandhana stitched 114 in just under 22 overs.

Compelling cameos by the lower-order batters then helped India go past 280 and set Australia a stiff target.

Australia, on their part, used as many as eight bowling options to get their players up and running in Indian conditions, with the ODI World Cup now a fortnight away.

Opting to bat first, Mandhana's charge ended with an awkward mix-up with her opening partner. The India vice-captain set off for a quick single after striking it towards Phoebe Litchfield at extra cover, but Rawal rejected the single, leaving Mandhana in no state to turn and make it back in time.

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Rawal perished in the 31st over when she opted for a slog against Alana King, but her shot found Ellyse Perry at midwicket, who took a regulation grab.

India, who had gone beyond the 100-run mark by the 18th over following a favourable start, had limped to 168/3 after the 35th with only four boundaries — one four and three sixes — being struck during this passage of play.