Katie Mack of Australia A in action during the International T20 match between Australia A and India A at Allan Border Field on August 9, 2024 in Brisbane, Australia. | Photo credit: Getty Images

Excellent half-centuries from middle-order batters Raghvi Bist and Tejal Hasabnis went in vain as India A Women lost their first One-Day match against Australia A by four wickets, with Katie Mack scoring a century for the winners here on Wednesday (August 14, 2024).

This is India A’s fourth consecutive defeat on their tour of Australia following their 3-0 loss in the T20 series in Brisbane.

India had set a modest victory target of 250, thanks mainly to Tejal’s 53 (67 balls, 7×4) and Raghvi’s 82 (102 balls, 6×4), but were thwarted by Australian opener Katie’s 129 (126 balls, 11×4).

Katie enjoyed fruitful half-century partnerships with fellow openers Maddy Darke (27) and Charli Knott (26), as well as a century stand with captain Tahlia McGrath (56), as Australia comfortably won the opening game of the three-match One-Day series.

India’s pace bowling mainstay Meghna Singh (2/43) and spinner Minnu Mani (2/53) took two wickets each.

With only a handful of experienced Indian players in the team, India got off to an unfortunate start, narrowly losing openers Shweta Sehrawat (1) and Priya Punia (6). At 56/3, India A were in dire straits but Tejal and Raghvi, both making their one-day debuts for the country, forged a 55-run partnership that took the visitors past the century mark.

Raghvi also reached a half-century stand along with captain Mani and Shipra Giri (25 not out), giving the visitors a respectable total to defend.

Brief scores: India A 249 for 9 in 50 overs (Tejal Hasabnis 53, Raghvi Bist 82; Nicola Hancock 2/40, Maitlan Brown 4/23, Grace Parsons 2/40).

Australia A 250 for 6 in 47 overs (Katie Mack 129, Tahlia McGrath 56; Meghna Singh 2/43, Minnu Mani 2/53).