A PLAYER of the Match performance from Beth Mooney helped the Aussies get off to the perfect start in their series against India, winning by nine wickets.

After they were sent into bat, the Indians got off to a quick fire start at almost 10 runs an over before they lost their first wicket. However, after losing a few more wickets it was not until the fifth wicket partnership between Devika Vaidya and Richa Ghosh that the Indian innings really got going.

The sixth wicket partnership between Vaidya and Deepti Sharma was also a strong one, and so with those two partnerships India went from 4/76 to their final total of 5/172. Despite the big tally, the highest individual score from any one bater was 36, which was Sharma (who finished not out) and Ghosh.

From the visitor’s perspective, Ellyse Perry was the pick of the bowlers, taking 2/10 off her two overs, which did include a maiden. The other bowlers to pick up a wicket were Ash Gardner, Annabel Sutherland and the debutant Kim Garth.

In the Australian chase, a 73 run opening stance between Mooney and Alyssa Healy got the Aussies off to a perfect start, as they belted that tally off only just under nine overs. When Tahlia McGrath made her way to the crease, the high run rate did not slow down, as the pair put on a 100 run partnership to see the Aussies home with 11 balls to spare.

Mooney was the key for the Aussie innings, belting 89 not out off a mere 57 balls. Her innings included a whopping 16 fours. McGrath contributed with a handy 40 not out. It was tough going for the Indian bowlers, with Vaidya the only one to pick up a wicket.

The teams do not have to wait too long to battle again, with the teams set to battle again on Sunday evening/Monday morning Australian time.