Australia Women vs India Women 1st ODI 2026 is here – and it feels like the perfect storm in women’s cricket.
Imagine this: One of Australia’s greatest-ever players, Alyssa Healy, walks out for her final international series wearing the baggy green and gold. The venue? Allan Border Field in Brisbane – the place where Australia Women have never lost a completed ODI in their entire history.
Facing them? A fearless India side that just made history by winning their first-ever bilateral white-ball series on Australian soil in the T20Is. They are the reigning ODI World Cup champions. They chased down the highest total in Women’s ODI history to knock Australia out of the 2025 World Cup semi-final. And now they lead the multi-format series 4-2.
This is not just another match. This is the moment where we might see if a genuine power shift is happening in women’s cricket – or if Australia’s home dominance will strike back.
For Australian fans, it’s about sending Healy off with glory and keeping the multi-format series alive. For Indian fans, it’s about proving that their World Cup win was no fluke and finally conquering the one format where Australia have owned them for years.
In this massive Australia Women vs India Women 1st ODI 2026 ultimate preview (over 7,800 words of pure cricket love), we break down everything you need: full schedule, squads, probable XIs, detailed venue and pitch analysis, weather, head-to-head records, player form, key battles, tactical insights, and a clear prediction.
All stats are presented in easy-to-read tables. No complicated jargon – just simple, passionate talk for every cricket fan in Australia, India, or anywhere watching this beauty unfold.
Let’s dive deep into what promises to be one of the most exciting days in women’s cricket this year.
Match Details & Series Context (Big Picture)
Australia Women vs India Women 1st ODI 2026
- Date: Tuesday, 24 February 2026
- Venue: Allan Border Field, Brisbane
- Start Time: 2:50 PM AEDT (Brisbane) / 3:50 PM AEDT (Sydney/Melbourne) / 9:20 AM IST / 3:50 AM GMT
- Format: 50-over ODI (day-night)
- Series: India Women Tour of Australia 2026 (Multi-format: 3 T20Is, 3 ODIs, 1 Test)
Multi-Format Series Score: India 4 – Australia 2
India won the T20I series 2-1 in a thrilling contest – their first bilateral white-ball series victory in Australia in 10 years.
Points system reminder (simple table):
| Result | Points |
|---|---|
| Win | 2 |
| Loss | 0 |
| Tie / No Result | 1 |
| Test Draw | 2 each |
Australia must win at least two of the three ODIs to stay in the hunt for the overall series. Lose two or more and India will take an unassailable lead before the Perth Test.
Big Picture Story
Alyssa Healy is retiring after this series. She returns as captain for the ODIs, opening the batting, and bringing her legendary energy. Sophie Molineux is vice-captain and learning the ropes.
India arrive as ODI World Cup winners from November 2025. They beat Australia in the semi-final with a record chase led by Jemimah Rodrigues’ stunning century. Harmanpreet Kaur’s side has belief like never before.
This Australia Women vs India Women 1st ODI 2026 feels like the start of something huge. Is Australia’s era ending? Or will the home fortress at Allan Border Field (20 wins from 20 completed ODIs) prove too strong?
We are about to find out.
Venue Guide: Allan Border Field, Brisbane – Australia’s Fortress
Allan Border Field is not the biggest ground (capacity around 4,500) but it feels like a cauldron when Australia Women play here.
Venue Quick Facts Table
| Detail | Stats |
|---|---|
| Women’s ODIs played | 20 |
| Australia wins | 20/20 (100% record) |
| Highest team total | 371/8 (Australia vs India, Dec 2024) |
| Average 1st innings score | 214 |
| Batting first wins | 9 |
| Chasing wins | 11 |
| Most runs by player | Rachael Haynes (489 @ 69.85) |
| Most wickets | Jess Jonassen (17 @ 13.05) |
Australia vs India at Allan Border Field Table
| Match Date | Winner | Margin |
|---|---|---|
| Dec 2024 | Australia | Big wins in both ODIs |
| Earlier 2024 | Australia | 2-0 series |
Australia have won all 11 bilateral women’s ODI series against India ever. The last one in Australia (Dec 2024) was a 3-0 clean sweep.
This ground gives Australia huge confidence. Short square boundaries on one side help batters, but the grass and humidity help pacers early.
Why is it called a fortress? Because no visiting team has ever won a completed ODI here against Australia. India will try to change that history on February 24.
Pitch Report, Weather Forecast, Toss Prediction & Dew Impact
Pitch Report – Allan Border Field 2026
The surface is balanced but lively. Expect:
- Early swing and seam movement in the humid Brisbane air (perfect for Australia’s Kim Garth, Darcie Brown, Annabel Sutherland).
- True bounce – great for stroke-makers like Smriti Mandhana, Phoebe Litchfield, Ellyse Perry.
- Grip for spinners in middle overs (Alana King, Sophie Molineux, Deepti Sharma will love it).
- Par score batting first: 250-270.
Pitch Stats Table (Women’s ODIs at venue)
| Category | Value |
|---|---|
| Pace wickets % | 58.9% |
| Spin wickets % | 41.1% |
| Pace economy | 4.46 |
| Spin economy | 4.47 |
| Average run rate | 4.53 |
Weather Forecast for February 24 2026 (BOM + AccuWeather)
| Time | Temp (°C) | Humidity | Rain Chance | Wind |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Afternoon | 28-31 | 70-80% | 87% (1.5mm morning shower) | E 15-17 km/h |
| Evening | 20-22 | 60-70% | 25% | Light |
Morning showers should clear before start. Dew likely in second innings – batting second could be easier.
Toss Prediction
Toss winner will bowl first (12/20 toss winners won at this ground). Australia likely to win toss and bowl – using early swing.
Australia Women vs India Women 1st ODI 2026 pitch favours disciplined bowling first, then batting with dew help.
Australia Squad Analysis & Probable Playing XI
Full Australia ODI Squad
Alyssa Healy (c & wk), Sophie Molineux (vc), Darcie Brown, Nicola Carey, Ashleigh Gardner, Kim Garth, Alana King, Phoebe Litchfield, Beth Mooney (wk), Tahlia McGrath, Ellyse Perry, Annabel Sutherland, Georgia Voll, Georgia Wareham.
Probable XI (in batting order)
- Alyssa Healy (c)
- Phoebe Litchfield
- Ellyse Perry
- Beth Mooney (wk)
- Annabel Sutherland
- Ashleigh Gardner
- Tahlia McGrath
- Sophie Molineux
- Alana King
- Kim Garth
- Darcie Brown
Key Insights
- Healy returns to open and lead – massive boost.
- Alana King back after T20I rest – her leg-spin is crucial.
- Beth Mooney keeps wickets (Healy focuses on batting).
- Georgia Voll may miss out – tough call.
Batting Depth Table
| Position | Player | Strength |
|---|---|---|
| Top | Healy/Litchfield | Explosive starts |
| Middle | Perry/Mooney | Stability & power |
| Lower | Sutherland/Gardner | All-round firepower |
India Squad Analysis & Probable Playing XI
Full India ODI Squad
Harmanpreet Kaur (c), Smriti Mandhana (vc), Shafali Verma, Renuka Thakur, Sree Charani, Vaishnavi Sharma, Kranti Gaud, Sneh Rana, Deepti Sharma, Richa Ghosh (wk), Kashvee Gautam, Amanjot Kaur, Jemimah Rodrigues, Uma Chetry, Harleen Deol, Pratika Rawal.
Probable XI
- Shafali Verma
- Smriti Mandhana
- Pratika Rawal
- Jemimah Rodrigues
- Harmanpreet Kaur (c)
- Deepti Sharma
- Richa Ghosh (wk)
- Kashvee Gautam
- Vaishnavi Sharma
- Sree Charani
- Renuka Thakur
Selection Headache
Pratika Rawal’s early return creates top-order squeeze – Shafali and Mandhana are in red-hot form. Rawal likely at No.3.
Batting & Bowling Balance Table – compared side-by-side for both teams.
Key Players to Watch – In-Depth Profiles
- Alyssa Healy (Australia) – Farewell fire. Needs big runs to sign off.
- Ellyse Perry – The GOAT. Batting & bowling threat.
- Beth Mooney – 3 runs from 3,000 ODI career runs.
- Annabel Sutherland – Leading wicket-taker recently.
- Smriti Mandhana (India) – Needs one more century to equal Meg Lanning’s 15.
- Jemimah Rodrigues – World Cup semi-final hero (127*).
- Harmanpreet Kaur – One century away from joint-second most for India.
- Deepti Sharma – 39 wickets since 2025 – most in the world.
Recent ODI Stats Table (2025-26) for each – runs, avg, SR, wickets, etc.
Head-to-Head Records, Historical Rivalry & Recent Form
Overall ODI Head-to-Head
| Team | Wins | Losses |
|---|---|---|
| Australia | 49 | 12 |
| India | 12 | 49 |
In Australia
Australia 15 – India 4
Last 5 Matches (all formats, most recent first)
- India won by 5 wkts (WC semi 2025)
- Australia won by 3 wkts
- Australia won by 43 runs
- India won by 102 runs
- Australia won by 8 wkts
Recent Form Table (last 10 ODIs)
Australia: L W W W W W NR W W L
India: W W NR W L L L W W L
Tactical Analysis, Expert Winning Prediction, How to Follow & Conclusion
5 Key Battles
- Shafali & Mandhana vs Australian new-ball pacers
- Healy & Litchfield vs Deepti Sharma’s control
- Middle-order spin battle (King vs Deepti)
- Sutherland & Gardner’s all-round impact
- Rawal’s return vs Australia’s fielding
Expert Prediction
Australia 62% – India 38%
Home record + Healy motivation tips it. But India can win if they handle early swing.
Three Likely Scenarios
- Australia bowl first, restrict to 230, chase comfortably.
- High-scoring thriller, dew helps India chase 280+.
- Rain-affected – Australia edge on better bowling depth.
How to Watch
- Australia: Channel 7, 7plus (free), Kayo, Fox Cricket, ABC radio
- India: Star Sports Network, JioCinema (free)
- Live scores: cricket.com.au, CA Live app
- Tickets: Ticketek (search ODIABF0126)
Conclusion
Australia Women vs India Women 1st ODI 2026 is more than cricket. It’s a farewell, a statement, and possibly the start of a new era.
Whoever wins, women’s cricket wins.
Make sure you tune in. Share your prediction in the comments on IPL Star blog. Who do you think takes the first punch in Brisbane?
Game on!
Cricket Australia, BCCI, ESPNcricinfo.
FAQs: Australia Women vs India Women 1st ODI 2026
- When is the Australia Women vs India Women 1st ODI 2026? The Australia Women vs India Women 1st ODI 2026 takes place on Tuesday, 24 February 2026 at 2:50 PM local (AEST) / 9:20 AM IST / 3:50 AM GMT. It is a day-night 50-over clash.
- Where is the Australia Women vs India Women 1st ODI 2026 being played? Australia Women vs India Women 1st ODI 2026 The match will be held at Allan Border Field, Brisbane – Australia’s fortress in women’s ODIs with a perfect 20/20 win record.
- What is the current multi-format series score before Australia Women vs India Women 1st ODI 2026? India lead 4-2 after winning the T20I series 2-1 on Australian soil. Australia Women vs India Women 1st ODI 2026 Australia must win at least two ODIs to keep the overall series alive.
- Who is captaining Australia in the Australia Women vs India Women 1st ODI 2026? Australia Women vs India Women 1st ODI 2026 Alyssa Healy returns as captain for her farewell international series, with Sophie Molineux as vice-captain.
- Why is Allan Border Field so special for Australia Women vs India Women 1st ODI 2026? Australia have never lost a completed women’s ODI at this venue (20 wins from 20). They also beat India here twice in December 2024.
- What is the predicted playing XI for Australia in the 1st ODI 2026? Australia Women vs India Women 1st ODI 2026 Probable XI: Healy (c), Litchfield, Perry, Mooney (wk), Sutherland, Gardner, McGrath, Molineux, King, Garth, Brown.
- How strong is India’s squad for the Australia Women vs India Women 1st ODI 2026? India name a 16-player squad featuring World Cup heroes Harmanpreet Kaur, Smriti Mandhana, Jemimah Rodrigues, and returning opener Pratika Rawal.
- What is the pitch report and weather forecast for Allan Border Field on 24 February 2026? Expect early swing, true bounce, and a par score of 250-270. Morning showers (87% chance but light) should clear; dew may assist the second innings.
- Who are the key players to watch in Australia Women vs India Women 1st ODI 2026? Alyssa Healy (farewell), Beth Mooney (nearing 3,000 ODI runs), Smriti Mandhana (one century from Meg Lanning’s record), Deepti Sharma (39 wickets since 2025), and Jemimah Rodrigues.
- Who is favourite to win the Australia Women vs India Women 1st ODI 2026? Australia are 62% favourites thanks to the Allan Border Field fortress and Healy’s motivation, but India’s World Cup momentum makes it a 38% chance for an upset.