Australia secured a dominant 83-run victory and a 3-0 clean sweep in their ODI series against India at the WACA Ground in Perth, thanks to Annabel Sutherland’s brilliant century. Sutherland, dropped twice during her innings, scored 110 off 95 balls, anchoring Australia to an imposing 6-298 in scorching 40-degree heat.
India’s chase fell short, bowled out for 215 in 45.1 overs despite a valiant effort by Smriti Mandhana, who scored 105 off 109 balls. Mandhana’s dismissal, bowled by Ashleigh Gardner, triggered a collapse, with India losing their final six wickets for just 14 runs. Gardner's career-best 5-30 ensured Australia's victory, cheered on by nearly 1,500 fans.
Australia's fielding was a rare weak point, with five dropped catches during India’s innings. Harleen Deol and Mandhana benefited from Australia’s errors, but India failed to capitalise fully, losing momentum during critical phases.
Earlier, Australia’s innings faced an early collapse at 4-78, led by Arundhati Reddy’s remarkable spell of 4-26. Reddy’s swing and precision troubled the Australian batters, but missed chances allowed Gardner and Sutherland to rebuild. Sutherland's innings, featuring nine fours and four sixes, along with contributions from Gardner (50) and Tahlia McGrath (56*), set up a commanding total.
Despite some setbacks, including Georgia Voll’s minor injury late in the field, Australia’s overall performance highlighted their resilience. The win also marked Sutherland’s second century at the WACA this year, following her double ton in a Test match against South Africa in February.