Twitter Reactions: Beth Mooney stars in Australia's thrilling victory

Beth Mooney played exceptional innings to sail Australia to victory. In what was a thrilling final over, India had fancied their chances of winning the game. Australia required 3 runs off the last ball. Jhulan Goswami had taken the mantle with the ball and what was supposed to be the final ball of the match, was declared a no-ball. In the end, two runs were needed off one ball and the Meg Lanning-led side sealed the second ODI against India.

India’s fast bowling spearhead Goswami did strike early on to send Alyssa Healy back for a duck. Australia’s skipper Meg Lanning too couldn’t contribute much as she had to depart owing to Meghna Singh’s short delivery, which the batter looked to pull only to be caught by Rajeshwari Gayakwad at deep square leg.

Tahlia McGrath (74) anchored the innings well alongside Mooney. McGrath also contributed with the ball securing three wickets in the match. Beth Mooney stood firm for Australia with her splendid innings of unbeaten 125. She hit as many as 12 fours to be one of the prime architects of Australia’s victory. She was well assisted by Nicola Carey (39*)

Australia Women and India Women locked horns with each other for the second ODI on Friday, September 24. After having won the toss, the hosts decided to bowl first at Harrup Park. After having a disappointing outing in the first ODI, India desperately needed its top order to put up a good show with the bat.

Though Shafali Verma had to depart early on, Smriti Mandhana took on the rival attack and dominated the proceedings. She played impressive innings of 86 runs, which included as many as 11 fours. Initially, Mandhana stood firm for a 74 runs partnership with opening partner Shafali Verma (22) before the latter walked back to the hut off Sophie Molineux’s delivery.

Mandhana further received good support from keeper-batter Richa Ghosh who was promoted up the order. Ghosh (44) stitched in a 76 runs partnership alongside Mandhana for the fourth wicket. As Mandhana was approaching towards her fifth ODI century, Tahlia McGrath struck with a back-of-a-length delivery, and the batter was caught by Beth Mooney at point. Further, Pooja Vastrakar (29) and Jhulan Goswami (28) took India to a competitive total of 274.

Here’s how Twitter reacted post-Australia’s victory: 

Will remain in drafts 🥲#AUSvIND pic.twitter.com/SGxVo3Soth

— Subhayan Chakraborty (@CricSubhayan) September 24, 2021

India's win well deserved, albeit Carey and Mooney both could've used more degrees of the field in the closing overs #AUSvIND

— Daniel Brettig (@danbrettig) September 24, 2021

Beth Mooney could steal the crown jewels. That was the freaking heist to end all heists. #AUSvIND

— Melinda Farrell (@melindafarrell) September 24, 2021

22 years since she made her ODI debut… #AUSvIND https://t.co/VRiqPxTVy8

— Melinda Farrell (@melindafarrell) September 24, 2021

THE STREAK LIVES ON #AUSvIND pic.twitter.com/pj744Pc4Dz

— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) September 24, 2021

#AUSvIND
Best ever women's #Cricket match i ever watched in last 10 years.
Both teams played brilliantly.

— Dr.Arif Maghribi (@DrKashmirM) September 24, 2021

Wow wow wow!!!!
What a game over in Australia!
Feel for the Indians but Beth Mooney was outstanding 👏🏽 #AUSvIND

— Alexandra Hartley (@AlexHartley93) September 24, 2021

Beth Mooney could steal the crown jewels. That was the freaking heist to end all heists. #AUSvIND

— Melinda Farrell (@melindafarrell) September 24, 2021

WOW. Just WOW 😵😵‍💫😰🤯😳 what a freaking game!!! Sheesh.
Just a quick one though – doesn’t two above the waist no balls mean you’re out of the attack!? Anyways. Wow. Proud. 🇦🇺 #AUSvIND

— Megan Schutt (@megan_schutt) September 24, 2021

Australia wins by five wickets in an absolute nail biter. Hats off to Beth Mooney for her knock! Feel for the Indian girls, who played some superb cricket. #AUSvIND

— Chloe-Amanda Bailey (@ChloeAmandaB) September 24, 2021