australia vs india [WATCH]Pratika Raval’s comeback was halted due to Megan Schutt’s inswinger in the opening match of the Women’s ODI series.

highly anticipated Indian women’s team tour to Australia Brisbane’s Gabba kicks off with high-octane drama 24 February 2026. As the lights flickered on for the opening match of this day/night Women’s ODI series, all eyes were on the Indian top order, especially the returnees Pratika Rawal. However, the comeback story that many fans were hoping for was brutally cut short by veteran expert megan shuttWhich reminded the world why she remains one of the most lethal exponents of the new ball in women’s cricket.

Megan Schutt destroys Pratika Raval’s comeback with a peach in 1st WODI

India’s decision to bat first under Brisbane clouds backfired almost immediately. Taking the new ball, Schutt wasted no time in finding his rhythm. After a dot ball to start the innings, Schutt delivered a delivery that will likely grace Raval’s highlights reel. Coming on the second ball of the match, Schutt bowled a fast, late-dipping inswinger which completely baffled Raval.

Raval, in her first international appearance in several months, looked a little unsteady but held on to the crease with her back knee intact. The ball hit the inside edge and hit his pads, prompting a deafening appeal from the Australian slip cordon. While the umpire’s finger went up immediately, Raval opted for a desperate DRS review, hoping the height of the bounce might save him. However, ball-tracking technology confirmed the worst-case scenario for the visitors: the delivery was “three reds”, smashing into middle and leg stump. Raval was out for a duck in two balls, leaving India at 0/1 in the first minute of the game.

Here is the video:

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Raval’s early dismissal spelled disappointment for the Indian innings as the Australian bowling unit tightened the screws. Despite the valiant effort of the vice-captain Smriti MandhanaWhile Joe looked composed with a strike rate hovering around 91, the rest of the top-order players struggled to find their footing against the relentless Australian pace and spin hybrid attack.

By the 26th over, India found themselves in a deep hole at 115/5. The scorecard told a story of missed opportunities and disciplined Australian bowling, where Shafali Verma (4 out of 17) fell victim to a quick return catch darcy brownfailing to take advantage of the power play and jemima rodrigues (8 of 13) showed glimpses of intent but ultimately missed a shot Ashley GardnerEnd up in the safe hands of beth mooney. Smriti Mandhana On the other hand, the lone warrior was out after scoring 58 runs in 68 balls. However, she was joined by Captain Harmanpreet Kaur (24*) Trying to rebuild the innings.

Australian bowling figures reflect his dominance. Shutt’s opening spell of 1/22 from five overs provided the platform, while Brown (1/24) and Gardner (1/7) kept the run rate under 5.00. India will need to lead from the middle order to post a competitive score in the opening match of this series Richa Ghosh Mandhana will need to provide crucial support, as the “shut-shock” continues to echo in the Indian dugout.

Also read: Australia vs India, Women’s ODI Series: Schedule, Team News, Broadcast and Live Streaming Details

This article was first published here WomenCricket.comA Cricket Times Company.