India eves struck by Bolton as Australia register easy win

Oz's Nicole Bolton scored 100'

Opener Nicole Bolton struck an unbeaten 100 off 101 balls after Australian spinners bamboozled the Indian batting to set up a crushing eight-wicket win in the opening game of the three-match series, which is part of the ICC Women's Championship.

Bolton's fourth ODI hundred ensured Australia reached a modest 201-run target in just 32.1 overs. The experienced Ellyse Perry (25 not out) hit the winning four. India would have been bowled out for far less if it was not for the 76-run partnership between Sushma Verma (41) and Pooja Vastrakar (51) for the eighth wicket, helping them muster 200 in 50 overs.

Jonassen claims four
Left-arm spinner Jess Jonassen led a stellar show from the Australian spinners, taking 4-30 runs in 10 overs. Leggie Amanda-Jade Wellington picked up three wickets and Ashleigh Gardner removed Smriti Mandhana (12). It was a sweet result for the visitors, who had lost to India in the World Cup semi-finals.

Skipper Mithali Raj ill
India were dealt a big blow even before the start of the game with captain Mithali Raj ruled out due to illness. Stand-in skipper Harmanpreet Kaur said the team needs to put up a better effort in all three departments."It was a hard day for us. We didn't play good cricket and didn't deserve to win. She (Mithali Raj's absence) is an important player for us," said Harmanpreet.

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