Twitter Reactions: India Women seal last over thriller to break Australia's 26-match winning streak in ODIs

India finally got one over the line against Australia as they beat the hostsby two wickets in the thrilling third ODI on Sunday (26 September). The match ebbed and flowed but the visitors held their nerve and composure with experienced player Jhulan Goswami hitting the winning runs off Sophie Molineux’s last over to seal the deal with three balls to spare.

It was a kind of redemption also for India’s veteran player, who was not able to defend 13 runs in the final over in the previous game. But not this time as Goswami was determined enough to take India over the line with the bat and thus ended Australia’s 26-match winning streak in ODIs. Although the 38-year-old walked away with the player match of the award, the contribution of newcomer Yastika Bhatia, who scored a fighting 64 was the cornerstone of India’s victory.

Chasing a steep target of 265, India got off to a good start courtesy 59-run opening stand between Shafali Verma and Smriti Mandhana. The home team bounced back with the vital wickets of Mandhana, Verma, and Mithali Raj. But India’s lower middle-order batters stood up and supported Bhatia well. Sneh Rana and Deepti Sharma’s vital contributions of 30 and 31 runs, in the end, proved decisive in India winning the game. It is also India’s highest successful chase ever in ODIs.

Jhulan Goswami restricts Australia to 264

Vice-captain Rachael Haynes returned to the side but she contributed only 13 as Goswami removed her. But the biggest wicket undoubtedly came in the form of skipper Meg Lanning who departed for a blob. The veteran was again at action and bowled an absolute peach of a delivery to send Australia’s gun batter back. But as with the home team, they find different players to step up and deliver the goods.

And this time it was the turn of Beth Mooney to step up. She continued her rich vein of form and scored a vital half-century to help Australia post a respectable total of 264. She was well supported by Ashleigh Gardner, who contributed 67 runs. However, with wickets falling regularly, India managed to restrict Australia to 264 even though at halfway stage if felt, they had enough runs given they were 87/4 at one stage.

Although India lost the series 2-1, the visitors showed plenty of fighting spirit throughout the three ODIs and gave a tough fight to the mighty Australians.

Here’s how Twitter reacted: