Aussies, India lay down World Cup marker but Proteas 'not far behind'

THE Proteas Women have been provided with a stark reminder of the challenge they face at the upcoming ICC World Cup in India and Sri Lanka.

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Mandla Mashimbyi's team may have already clinched the on-going series against Pakistan 2-0 ahead of tomorrow's final ODI, and his team's top-order batters, particularly Tazmin Brits with successive centuries, are in fine form, but there is still plenty of work to do if they are to go head-to-head with the heavyweights of the women's game.

Hosts India and Australia have laid down an emphatic statement during their thrilling ODI series, which culminated in a record-breaking decider in Delhi on Saturday.

Defending world champions Australia ultimately triumphed by 43 runs after equalling their highest-ever ODI score of 412 - which they famously made back at the 1997 World Cup, and which included Aussie legend Belinda Clarke's 229 out in Mumbai.

World No 1 ODI batter Beth Mooney's 138 off just 75 balls (23x4, 1x6) was the cornerstone of the carnage at Delhi's Arun Jaitley Stadium.