Meghan schutt

Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket: Half-centuries by their top three batters – Pratika Rawal, Smriti Mandhana, and Harleen Deol - propelled India to a competitive 281/7 in 50 overs against Australia in the opening match of the women's ODI series here on Sunday.

Electing to bat first in the first-ever international game at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium, Pratika and Smriti laid the foundation for India’s total with a 114-run opening stand on a flat pitch and handled the new ball with ease.

While Pratika top-scored with 64 off 96 balls – her sixth ODI fifty laced with six boundaries, Smriti looked solid in her knock of 58 off 63 balls – her 32nd ODI half-century studded with six fours and two sixes, before being run out by Phoebe Litchfield.