Big loss for India in Brisbane ODI

India may be looking to fill their top-order void, but the first ODI against Australia was far from providing the answers. A mindless flash from Smriti Mandhana, followed by a miscued shot from Priya Punia and an excellent catch from Annabel Sutherland to dismiss Harleen Deol, meant India had lost their top three for just 42, with Harmanpreet Kaur and Jemimah Rodrigues again summoned to salvage their innings. This time they failed.

- Somshuvra Laha

Renuka Thakur triggered a mini collapse with a three-wicket haul, but it only delayed the inevitable as Australia defeated India by five wickets in a match that barely lasted half the original game time in Brisbane on Thursday. Opting to bat at a venue where teams have traditionally chased well, India were dismissed for 100 in 34.2 overs, pacer Megan Schutt being the wrecker-in-chief with 5/19. Chasing it down with 202 balls to spare, Australia took a 1-0 lead in the three-match series.