The ODI series against Australia promises to be a memorable chapter for India Women. India will enter the field for the first time with the tag of world champions – a title that brings heightened expectations and greater scrutiny. The spotlight will shine brighter than ever when Harmanpreet Kaur’s women take the field for the series opener on February 24 at The Gabba in Brisbane.
Confidence is already flowing through the team after scripting history by securing theirs Australia’s first T20I series win in a decade. India currently hold a 4-2 lead in the ongoing multi-format series after their triumph in the T20Is and will be keen to carry that momentum into the 50-over format.
Meanwhile, Australia found itself in unfamiliar territory. The hosts suffered their first home series defeat since 2017 – a rare blip in an otherwise dominant era. The Sophie Molineux era has not started to plan and the Australians will be desperate to respond strongly in front of their home crowd.
Adding further excitement to the contest, Alyssa Healy is set to begin the final leg of her Australian career before her impending retirement, adding another layer of significance to the series.
GOLDEN CHANCE FOR NEWBIES
Amid a familiar core of World Cup winners, the Indian team also carries a touch of fresh intrigue. Two members of the tour group – Vaishnavi Sharma and Kashvee Gautam – were not part of India’s triumphant campaign at the FIFA World Cup and each comes with their own story.
The series could mark a significant personal milestone for Vaishnavi. Having already featured in T20Is and representing Mumbai Indians in the WPL, she is yet to make her ODI debut for India. The upcoming matches present an opportunity for her to break into the 50-over format and further cement her place in the national set-up.
Gautam’s journey, meanwhile, was one of resilience. After being dropped midway through the tri-series in Sri Lanka last month, her return adds depth and balance to the squad. The series in Australia offers her a chance not only to regain her rhythm, but also to cement her place in an increasingly competitive lineup.
Uma Chetry stands at a slightly different crossroads. She made her ODI debut during the World Cup encounter against Bangladesh but did not get the opportunity to bat, leaving her credentials in the 50-over format largely unexplored. Despite featuring in seven T20Is for India, she is yet to find her best form at the highest level.
CAN THE PRACTICE PROCEED?
One of the players to watch in the series will be Pratika Rawal, who is returning to competitive cricket after almost four months sidelined due to injury. The 25-year-old opening batsman, one of India’s most prolific performers during the World Cup, was included in the ODI squad after recovering from an ankle injury.
The failure forced her to withdraw from the knockout stage of the tournament and she was subsequently replaced in the lineup. As a result, she missed out on a winner’s medal despite her significant contributions earlier in the competition.
The injury also ruled her out of the Women’s Premier League season with UP Warriorz, where she was selected in an accelerated round at her base price. The long break required careful rehabilitation and fans have been following her recovery closely, with recent updates confirming her return to full fitness.
Now, as India prepare to take on Australia in tough conditions, Rawal will be keen to rediscover the rhythm that made him a key figure during the World Cup. Her experience, poise and proven ability on the global stage make her a key part of India’s batting line-up as they look to build on their recent success.
FOCUS ON ALYSSA HEALY
As for Australia, the focus will be firmly on Alyssa Healy the last chapter of her international career. The upcoming series will be her last ODI assignment and she is set to lead Australia in white-ball cricket for the last time – a fitting farewell for one of the game’s modern greats.
However, there will be a subtle change in her role. Healy will not keep wickets during the series, with Beth Mooney expected to take the gloves. The move signals a gradual transition, although Healy remains front and center as captain. Once he leaves, Sophie Molineux will take over and usher in a new era of Australian cricket.
Before that transition is complete, Healy has one last chance to make his mark. She hit two centuries at last year’s World Cup and reaffirmed her reputation as a fine performer despite Australia’s semi-final exit. With the team also looking to bounce back from their T20I series defeat, Healy will be determined to end her career on a high note – leading from the front and delivering one final definitive performance in front of her home crowd.
Indian women vs. Australia Women Head-to-Head
Overall
Matches – 61, India – 12, Australia – 49
In Australia
Matches – 19, India – 4, Australia – 15
India Women Vs. Australian women’s teams
Australia: Alyssa Healy (c), Sophie Molineux (vc), Darcie Brown, Nicola Carey, Ashleigh Gardner, Kim Garth, Alana King, Phoebe Litchfield, Beth Mooney, Tahlia McGrath, Ellyse Perry, Annabel Sutherland, Georgia Voll, Georgia Wareham
India: Harmanpreet Kaur (c), Smriti Mandhana (vc), Shafali Verma, Renuka Thakur, Sree Charani, Vaishnavi Sharma, Kranti Gaud, Sneh Rana, Deepti Sharma, Richa Ghosh, Kashvee Gautam, Amanjot Kaur, Jemimah Rawal Hartika, Praleen Chetrigues, Uma Chertika
When to watch India Women vs Australia Women ODI series
The ODI series matches between India Women and Australia Women will start at 21:20 IST.
Where to watch India Women vs Australia Women ODI series
Star Sports Network has the telecast rights for the ODI series between India Women and Australia Women. Live streaming of the matches will be available on JioHotstar.
– The end
Issued by:
sabyasachi chowdhury
Published on:
February 24, 2026
