Australia Women vs India Women – 1st ODI Match Preview (2026)

Date: Tuesday, February 24, 2026
Time: 09:00 AM GMT
Venue: The Gabba, Brisbane
Series: India Women tour of Australia, 2026
Format: ODI
Series Format: 3-match ODI series
Series Standings: 0-0 (Series just beginning)

Match Preview

The stage is set for the highly anticipated first One Day International (ODI) of the India Women’s tour of Australia, 2026, as the two cricketing powerhouses, Australia Women (AUW) and India Women (INW), face off at The Gabba in Brisbane on Tuesday, February 24, 2026.

With the recent T20I series already showcasing the competitive spirit between these two teams, this ODI encounter promises to be a thrilling continuation of their rivalry. The Gabba, a historic cricket ground known for its fast and bouncy pitches, could favor the more aggressive and technically sound side, making this a pivotal match for both teams as they look to gain momentum in the series.

Team Form & Key Players

Australia Women (AUW)

Australia, the dominant force in women’s cricket, will be eager to bounce back from the T20I series, where they lost 2 out of 3 games. The loss of the series will serve as a strong motivation for the home side to reclaim their supremacy in the longer format.

Key Players to Watch:

• Meg Lanning (Captain) – A consistent run-scorer and a key leader, Lanning will be crucial for Australia's batting.
• Ellyse Perry – Versatile all-rounder with the ability to change the course of the game with both bat and ball.
• Stafanie Taylor (if included) – Although not part of the T20I squad, her inclusion in the ODI squad could add a new dimension to the Australian attack.

Australia’s strength lies in their deep batting lineup and world-class all-rounders, and they will look to utilize the Gabba’s pace to their advantage.

India Women (INW)

India’s Women have shown impressive form in the T20I series, winning two of the three matches, and will be looking to continue their winning momentum into the ODI format. The team has been building up well under the leadership of Harmanpreet Kaur, who has been in excellent form.

Key Players to Watch:

• Harmanpreet Kaur (Captain) – A match-winner with the bat, especially in crunch situations.
• Smriti Mandhana – India’s opening run-machine, known for her elegant strokeplay.
• Poonam Yadav – A wily off-spinner who can trouble even the best batters in the middle overs.

India’s spin-heavy attack, particularly in the middle overs, could be a major asset on a pitch that offers some assistance. Their ability to chase down targets with flair will be key in this match.

Venue Insight: The Gabba, Brisbane

The Gabba is a well-known venue in the cricketing world and has a history of producing exciting contests. The pitch here is typically fast and bouncy, offering early support to seam bowlers. However, the outfield is true, which helps batters accelerate after the initial overs. The toss is likely to be a key factor, with the decision to bat or bowl dependent on the weather and pitch conditions on the day.

Head-to-Head

Historically, Australia holds a significant advantage in the ODI format against India. However, the recent T20I results have shown that India is capable of challenging Australia on their home soil. This match could set the tone for the rest of the series.

Prediction

While Australia has the advantage of home conditions and a more experienced side, India’s recent form and aggressive T20I approach give them a fighting chance. With the Gabba offering some assistance to the bowlers, the game could be a tight contest.

Prediction: A closely fought match with Australia Women expected to edge out India Women by a narrow margin, possibly by 8-10 runs.

Conclusion

The 1st ODI between Australia Women and India Women promises to be an exciting start to the ODI series. Both teams are evenly matched and will be looking to make a strong statement at The Gabba. With key players in form and a passionate crowd expected, fans can look forward to a high-quality match of cricket.

Catch all the action on Tuesday, February 24, 2026, at 09:00 AM GMT at The Gabba, Brisbane.
“`