Australia Women vs India Women ODI Match Preview – 27th February 2026

Match Details

• Match: Australia Women vs India Women, 2nd ODI
• Date & Time: Friday, 27th February 2026, 03:50 AM GMT / 09:20 AM IST
• Venue: Bellerive Oval, Hobart, Australia
• Series: India Women’s Tour of Australia 2026 (3-match ODI series)
• Series Standing: Australia 1-0 (won first ODI)

Series Opener Recap

In the first ODI at Brisbane, India captain Harmanpreet Kaur opted to bat, but the Indian top order struggled under the pressure of Australia’s pace attack. Megan Schutt and Ashleigh Gardner were instrumental in restricting India to 214 in 48.3 overs. Smriti Mandhana (58) and Harmanpreet (53) tried to steady the innings, but the hosts eventually took control.

Australia’s chase was led by Alyssa Healy (50) and Beth Mooney (76), with the latter anchoring the innings to help her team reach the target in 38.2 overs. The result gave Australia a commanding 1-0 lead in the series.

Pitch and Weather Report

Bellerive Oval is a well-balanced venue that has historically offered a fair contest between bat and ball. The pitch tends to assist pacers early on, with the ball moving in the air and off the surface. However, the surface becomes more accommodating for batters after the powerplay, especially in Hobart’s consistent weather conditions. Spinners are likely to play a key role in the middle and death overs, making this a match where all-round performance could decide the result.

Head-to-Head Record

• Matches Played: 62
• Australia Wins: 50
• India Wins: 12
• Last Meeting (24 Feb 2026): Australia won by 70 balls to spare
• Overall Dominance: Australia has a clear edge in the historical context.

Playing XIs

Australia Women (Predicted)

• Alyssa Healy (c)
• Phoebe Litchfield
• Georgia Voll
• Beth Mooney (wk)
• Annabel Sutherland
• Ashleigh Gardner
• Tahlia McGrath
• Sophie Molineux
• Alana King
• Megan Schutt
• Darcie Brown

India Women (Predicted)

• Smriti Mandhana
• Pratika Rawal
• Shafali Verma
• Harmanpreet Kaur (c)
• Jemimah Rodrigues
• Richa Ghosh (wk)
• Deepti Sharma
• Kashvee Gautam
• Sree Charani
• Kranti Gaud
• Renuka Singh Thakur

Key Players to Watch

Probable Best Batter: Smriti Mandhana (India)

The Indian opener has been in excellent form and was the standout performer in the first match with a 58. Her ability to counter Australian pace and spin will be crucial for India's chances. Mandhana’s class and composure under pressure could make her the difference in this match.

Probable Best Bowler: Ashleigh Gardner (Australia)

Gardner was the pick of the Australian bowlers in the first game, taking 3 for 48. Her off-spin variations and ability to build pressure will be key in breaking partnerships. Gardner has been a consistent threat in recent ODIs and is likely to be the key bowler for Australia.

Fantasy Tips and Captaincy Choices

• Must Picks (Small League):

  • Australia: Beth Mooney (132), Ashleigh Gardner (119)
  • India: Smriti Mandhana (114), Kashvee Gautam (85)

• Risky Picks (Grand League):

  • Australia: Lucy Hamilton, Kim Garth
  • India: Uma Chetry, G Kamalini

• Death Over Bowlers:

  • Australia: Annabel Sutherland
  • India: Sree Charani

• Captaincy Picks (based on consistency and performance):

  • Australia: Annabel Sutherland (CR: 9), Alyssa Healy (CR: 8.5)
  • India: Deepti Sharma (CR: 9), Harmanpreet Kaur (CR: 9)

Injury Updates

• Australia Women: No injury updates
• India Women: No injury updates

Match Prediction

Australia have been in dominant form against India in recent ODIs, and with the home advantage and a balanced pitch, they are slight favorites for the second match as well. However, India will be looking to bounce back after the heavy defeat in the first ODI. The key will be how India’s top order responds, and whether Smriti Mandhana can repeat her performance from the first game.

Prediction: Australia Women to win, but India could make it a close contest.

Where to Watch

• Live Score: Cricbuzz, ESPNcricinfo, Possible11
• Broadcast: Local and international channels will broadcast the match live; check regional listings for coverage.

Final Thoughts

This is a crucial match for both teams. Australia will be aiming for a series whitewash, while India will want to avoid back-to-back defeats and regroup for the final ODI. With the Bellerive Oval offering a fair contest, the match promises to be an exciting one. Look out for Ashleigh Gardner and Smriti Mandhana to influence the result.
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