Australian opener Beth Mooney slams 57-ball century in women’s ODI victory over India as records tumble in crazy runfest

Loading

Only six times in ODI history has 400 been cracked, and they were all by strong, established nations against much weaker opponents.

Mooney and co.

The left-handed opener somehow still attracts less attention than famous teammates like Alyssa Healy, Ellyse Perry and Ash Gardner, but her record is superb.

Mooney’s 57-ball ton was (for a short time) the equal second fastest in women’s ODI history, equal with former Australian captain Karen Rolton and second to Meg Lanning’s 45-ball ton against New Zealand in 2012.

Mooney scored all around the wicket, with laps, sweeps, and down the ground shots. She struck 23 fours and one six before she was run out. It was her fourth ODI century and seventh in international cricket.

Then India’s in-form opening batter Smriti Mandhana (125 off 63) rattled up her own century from only 50 balls.

Mooney had plenty of able partners. Opening partner Georgia Voll made 81 (68), Perry (68 from 72 at No.3) and Gardner (39 from 24) also set a cracking pace.

What’s next

Loading

Having won the series 2-1, Australia have some talent to come back. Phoebe Litchfield has been nursing a niggle, while all-rounder Annabel Sutherland and fast bowler Darcie Brown missed the third ODI.

Australia’s World Cup squad:

Alyssa Healy (c), Tahlia McGrath (vc), Darcie Brown, Ashleigh Gardner, Kim Garth, Grace Harris, Alana King, Phoebe Litchfield, Sophie Molineux, Beth Mooney, Ellyse Perry, Megan Schutt, Annabel Sutherland, Georgia Voll, Georgia Wareham

Healy’s team has a warm-up against England on September 28 in Bangalore, before group matches against New Zealand, Sri Lanka, Pakistan, India, Bangladesh, England and South Africa.

Semi-finals are October 29 and 30, with the final in Mumbai (or Colombo) on November 2. Any matches involving Pakistan will be in Sri Lanka, hence Colombo is on standby.

News, results and expert analysis from the weekend of sport are sent every Monday. Sign up for our Sport newsletter.