Georgia Voll achieved her first international century in just 84 balls, while Ellyse Perry reached three impressive milestones during her third ODI hundred. Their standout performances led Australia to a victory over India in the second ODI at Allan Border Field.
Australia set the stage with an impressive total of 8-371, placing immense pressure on India, which managed to score only 249 runs before being bowled out in 44.5 overs. The match showcased remarkable performances, particularly from debutant Georgia Voll, who achieved a brilliant century, hitting a flick to deep wicket in front of her supporters who had traveled from her hometown of Toowoomba to witness her maiden ODI.
Voll's innings was characterized by aggressive strokes, particularly her powerful straight and on-drives against the seamers early in her innings. She concluded her remarkable performance with a well-deserved 101 runs from 87 balls. A pivotal moment occurred when she was close to being run out at 86; however, the decision ultimately favored her, allowing her to successfully reach her century. This achievement made Voll the second-youngest Australian, after Meg Lanning, to score a century in an ODI match.
The partnership between Voll and her fellow opening batswoman, Phoebe Litchfield, proved to be crucial, as they built a solid foundation with a 130-run opening stand. Litchfield contributed significantly, scoring 60 runs off 63 balls, and the duo's bold approach was something regular captain Alyssa Healy would have admired from the sidelines, especially after taking some practice swings in the adjacent nets.
Stepping in for Healy at the top of the batting order, Voll formed an exciting partnership with Litchfield, showcasing the potential of the younger generation of Australian cricketers. In the midst of the innings, Ellyse Perry took center stage, reaching her century in just 72 balls. Perry's powerful batting highlighted her dominance, featuring six sixes during her innings. This performance marked a milestone for Perry as she surpassed 4000 runs in ODIs and over 7000 runs across all formats for Australia. Notably, she also became the Australian player with the most sixes in ODIs, having hit a total of 42 sixes throughout her career.
Perry's achievement places her alongside elite company; she became the second Australian, after Lanning, to surpass 7000 runs and the fourth overall to reach the 4000-run mark in One Day Internationals, joining the ranks of prominent players such as Belinda Clark, Karen Rolton, and Lanning. Her century was significant as it was her first since 2019. Alongside Beth Mooney, who scored 56 runs, Perry took charge of the innings with a formidable 98-run partnership that put immense strain on the tired Indian bowling attack. Unfortunately, Perry's innings ended when she was bowled while attempting a switch hit, finishing with a commendable 105 runs.
Stand-in captain Tahlia McGrath was the only other Australian player to reach double digits with her contribution of 20 runs. On the Indian side, opener Richa Ghosh emerged as the standout performer during the chase, scoring a solid 54 runs before being dismissed by leg-spinner Alana King. In terms of bowling, Annabel Sutherland was remarkable, claiming four wickets, including that of Indian No. 3 Harleen Deol. Minnu Mani added a few runs to the total, remaining unbeaten on 4 while batting with the tail.
The third ODI between Australia and India is set to take place at the WACA on Wednesday, and the anticipation for another thrilling encounter continues to build. Fans and analysts alike are eager to see how both teams will respond to this intense competition.
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