Dropped catches hurt India as Australia win second ODI by five wickets, take 6-4 lead in all-format series

Georgia Voll scored 101 and Phoebe Litchfield made 80 as Australia Women defeated India Women by five wickets to take an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match ODI series on Friday.After India posted 251/9, Australia chased down the target with 13.5 overs remaining. With one ODI and a one-off Test left, Australia now lead the all-format series 6-4. India’s total was built around half-centuries from Pratika Rawal (52) and captain Harmanpreet Kaur (54). Rawal faced 81 balls and hit six fours, adding 78 runs for the opening wicket with Smriti Mandhana (31). Mandhana was bowled by Ashleigh Gardner (2/39) after missing a paddle sweep. She had earlier survived two chances.Jemimah Rodrigues (11) was caught behind off Annabel Sutherland (2/37), while Deepti Sharma (1) was caught at deep mid-wicket off Alana King (2/41). King also dismissed Richa Ghosh leg-before for 22.Harmanpreet anchored the innings with a 70-ball 54. She added 55 runs for the seventh wicket with Kashvee Gautam (25), taking India past 200. India finished on 251/9.In reply, Australia lost Alyssa Healy (6) early, bowled by an inswinger from Gautam. Voll and Litchfield then added 119 runs for the second wicket to set up the chase.Voll was given three chances. On 19, she was dropped by Kranti Gaud at long-on off Deepti Sharma. Later, Smriti Mandhana dropped her at deep mid-wicket off Gautam. She reached her hundred after Richa Ghosh missed a catch down the leg side, allowing a single. Voll scored 101 off 82 balls, with 13 fours and a six.Litchfield struck 11 fours and a six in her 62-ball 80. She was bowled by Gaud while attempting a ramp shot, with the ball hitting the top of middle stump.India picked up two late wickets but Australia completed the chase comfortably. The third ODI will be played on Sunday at the same venue.