Having secured the ODI series already, Australian captain Alyssa Healy’s choice to bat first, following a successful coin toss, reaped rewards as the visitors amassed 338 runs in the initial innings.
This dominant total was largely built upon a remarkable 189-run partnership at the top between Phoebe Litchfield (scoring 119) and Alyssa Healy (contributing 82).
The Indian team found themselves trailing in the pursuit early on as they lost half of their wickets within just 20.3 overs, managing to put up 98 runs on the scoreboard.
A moment of exceptional brilliance then captivated the audience when Australian talent Litchfield executed an astonishing catch within the 25-yard circle, further weakening the Women in Blue at 102-6 in 22.2 overs.
In the 23rd over’s second ball, wrist spinner Alana King skillfully delivered a flighted ball outside the off stump, enticing Amanjot Kaur into a lofted drive.
— Travis Head (@TravisHead8441) January 2, 2024
The ball raced towards the short cover region where Litchfield, displaying exceptional timing and athleticism, dived to her right to secure the ball with unwavering hands. This catch, a challenging one, was expertly claimed by the 20-year-old, leaving both the audience and broadcasters spellbound.