Tue Feb 24 03:50:00 UTC 2026: ### Rawal’s Comeback Cut Short as India Stumbles in First ODI Against Australia

The Story:

India’s highly anticipated tour of Australia began with a dramatic start on February 24, 2026, at the Gabba in Brisbane, as they faced Australia in the first WODI. The return of Pratika Rawal to the Indian squad after months of absence ended abruptly. Rawal, expected to bolster the batting lineup, was dismissed for a duck in the very first over by a sharp inswinger from Megan Schutt. This early setback immediately put India on the backfoot.

The Indian batting order struggled throughout the innings, with other key players failing to build momentum. Despite Smriti Mandhana’s efforts to stabilize the innings, Australia’s disciplined bowling attack made it difficult for India to post a competitive total. Rawal’s early dismissal and the subsequent pressure exerted by the Australian bowlers left India in a precarious position by the 26th over.

Key Points:

  • The first WODI between India Women and Australia Women took place on February 24, 2026, at the Gabba in Brisbane.
  • Pratika Rawal made her return to the Indian squad after months of absence.
  • Rawal was dismissed for a duck (0 runs) in the first over by Megan Schutt via LBW.
  • Rawal unsuccessfully used DRS to overturn the decision.
  • The early dismissal put India under pressure, and the team struggled to build a strong total.

Key Takeaways:

  • Pratika Rawal’s comeback was short-lived and had a negative impact on India’s start.
  • Australia’s strong bowling attack capitalized on Rawal’s early dismissal to put India under pressure.
  • India’s batting lineup struggled to recover from the initial setback.
  • Rawal’s return was highly anticipated, suggesting she is a key player for the Indian team, making her performance in future matches crucial.
  • The early loss highlights the vulnerability of the Indian batting lineup and the need for greater resilience.

Impact Analysis:

The early dismissal of Pratika Rawal and the subsequent struggles of the Indian batting order in the first WODI against Australia have significant implications for the rest of the series. Rawal’s performance was highly anticipated due to her previous contributions and the team’s need for a stable top-order batter, as evidenced by the pre-match discussions about how to integrate her into the team after her recovery. This loss will likely put additional pressure on the remaining batters and necessitate a strategic rethink to address the vulnerabilities exposed in this match. The result could impact team morale and strategy for the remaining ODIs, potentially affecting India’s chances in the series and beyond, particularly in future major tournaments.

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