Wed Dec 11 18:19:48 UTC 2024: ## Mandhana’s Century in Vain as India Whitewashed in Australia
**Perth, Australia:** Smriti Mandhana’s stunning century in the third and final ODI against Australia was overshadowed by a 3-0 series whitewash for India. Mandhana smashed 105 runs off 109 balls, including 14 fours and a six, but it wasn’t enough to prevent Australia from completing a clean sweep on home soil.
Australia, batting first after winning the toss, posted a challenging 298/6. Annabel Sutherland led the charge with a magnificent 110 (9 fours, 4 sixes), while captain Tahlia McGrath contributed a crucial unbeaten 56. Ashleigh Gardner also chipped in with a half-century (50). Arundhati Reddy was India’s most successful bowler, claiming 4 wickets.
India’s chase got off to a shaky start, losing Richa Ghosh early for 2. A 118-run partnership between Mandhana and Harmanpreet Kaur (39) briefly raised hopes, but the Indian innings crumbled after Kaur’s dismissal in the 28th over. The team lost wickets in quick succession, eventually folding for 215.
Ashleigh Gardner starred with the ball for Australia, taking multiple wickets. Megan Schutt and Alana King also claimed two wickets each, while Annabel Sutherland picked up one.
Despite Mandhana’s impressive performance, the series defeat marks a disappointing end to India’s tour of Australia. The article also briefly mentions a separate achievement by 9-year-old Indian chess player Aarit Kapil, who defeated a grandmaster, although this is unrelated to the main ODI match story.
First Piper 