India vs Australia: Butter-fingered India drop catches as Australia clinch first Women's ODI

India dropped four crucial catches as Australia Women secured an eight-wicket victory in the first ODI. Australia successfully chased down India's total of 281 for seven in 44.1 overs on Sunday.Phoebe Litchfield scored 88 runs off 80 balls after being dropped twice. Beth Mooney remained unbeaten with 77 runs from 74 balls, and Ellyse Perry scored 30 before retiring hurt, each benefiting from a dropped catch.Mooney and Annabel Sutherland formed a strong partnership, contributing 116 runs for the third wicket. Mooney, who was dropped by Deepti Sharma at 56, hit nine boundaries, while Sutherland scored 54 not out with six fours.India had set a competitive target of 282 runs, relying on their spin bowling attack. However, their fielding let them down when opportunities arose.Litchfield capitalised on her chances, scoring 88 runs with 14 boundaries throughout the ground. Her innings provided a solid foundation for Australia's successful chase.The first dropped catch came in the second over when Jemimah Rodrigues missed a straightforward chance at midwicket off Sneh Rana's bowling.

Litchfield hadn't scored at that point.The second reprieve for Litchfield came in the 19th over when Indian captain Harmanpreet Kaur dropped a catch at cover off Radha Yadav's bowling. Perry also survived when Pratika Rawal couldn't hold onto a high catch in deep midwicket.Despite India's efforts to create pressure in the field, their dropping catches and occasional misfields proved costly.Litchfield, known for her reverse-sweep shots, executed them effectively during her innings.

However, this shot eventually led to her dismissal when substitute fielder Arundhati Reddy caught her off Rana's bowling.Perry retired hurt due to a calf strain after forming a 79-run partnership with Litchfield for the second wicket. Mooney then joined the action, and Australia continued their dominant performance.India's batting performance featured half-centuries from Pratika Rawal (64), Smriti Mandhana (58), and Harleen Deol (54).

Their efforts helped India post a competitive total.The opening partnership between Rawal and Mandhana produced 114 runs, marking the third-highest partnership for India against Australia.Australia utilized eight different bowlers during their innings, allowing their players to gain experience in Indian conditions ahead of the upcoming ODI World Cup.This victory gives Australia a 1-0 lead in the three-match series, which serves as preparation for the World Cup beginning in two weeks.