Mandhana, Rawal set calendar-year opening stand as India reach 281

Smriti Mandhana and opening partner Pratika Rawal set a series of records while posting a 114-run opening stand for India in the first women's ODI against Australia at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium in New Chandigarh on Sunday, but Australia replied emphatically to win by eight wickets. The day saw Mandhana regain the top spot in the ICC ODI batting rankings and the pair break a long-standing calendar-year partnership record, even as the result underlined questions about India’s ability to close matches ahead of the World Cup.

Mandhana made 58 off 63 balls, striking six fours and two sixes, and Rawal contributed 64 off 96 as India compiled 281 for 7 in 50 overs. Australia completed the chase with Beth Mooney unbeaten and key contributions from Annabel Sutherland and Phoebe Litchfield, sealing an eight-wicket victory that put the visitors 1-0 up in the three-match series.

The match produced several milestones. The International Cricket Council confirmed that Mandhana’s half-century lifted her back to No. 1 in the latest ICC women’s ODI batting rankings. The update followed her innings at New Chandigarh and marked her fourth stint at the top of the...