Australia Women vs India Women 1st ODI 2026 is finally here, and the excitement is through the roof! On February 24, 2026, these two cricket giants will battle it out in Brisbane for the first ODI of a thrilling three-match series. This clash carries extra emotion because it kicks off Alyssa Healy’s farewell international series – the Australian captain playing her last ODIs before hanging up her gloves.
Fire up the barbie, Aussie fans – your team is unbeaten at this venue! And Indian supporters, get ready to roar because your side is riding high after a historic 2-1 T20I series win on Australian soil, their first-ever bilateral T20I triumph Down Under. The rivalry that always delivers fireworks is back, and Brisbane is the perfect stage.
One big thing before we jump in: you might see some websites (like ESPNcricinfo or Cricbuzz) listing this match at The Gabba (Brisbane Cricket Ground). That’s a common scheduling mix-up. Official Cricket Australia and BCCI sources, plus tickets on Ticketek, confirm the venue is Allan Border Field in Albion, Brisbane. ABF has hosted many women’s internationals recently, including high-scoring ODIs against India in December 2024. Both grounds share Brisbane’s famous red-soil and humid weather, so the pitch behaviour is similar – but we’ll break down the exact differences below for full clarity.
Why does this matter? ABF is a compact, fan-friendly ground with great views and perfect drainage. It has become Australia Women’s “happy hunting ground” with a perfect 20 wins from 20 completed WODIs. The Gabba, meanwhile, is the bigger Test venue known for steeper bounce. But for this match, we focus on the real venue: Allan Border Field.
Quick Venue Facts
| Fact | Details |
|---|---|
| Official Venue | Allan Border Field, Brisbane |
| Match Date | Tuesday, 24 February 2026 |
| Start Time | 9:20 AM IST / 1:50 PM Local AEDT |
| Capacity | ~8,000-10,000 (intimate atmosphere) |
| Recent High Score | 371/8 by Australia vs India (Dec 2024) |
The series context is massive. India stunned Australia in the T20Is, winning the decider by 17 runs on 21 February with Smriti Mandhana smashing 82 off 55. That gives Harmanpreet Kaur’s team huge belief, especially after chasing 339 in the 2025 World Cup semi-final. Australia, though, are the reigning ODI World Cup champions and love playing at home. This is also Beth Mooney’s chance to reach 3,000 ODI runs – she needs just 3 more!
Now, let’s get into the most important part for every cricket fan – the pitch.
Allan Border Field Brisbane Pitch Report 2026 – What to Expect for Australia Women vs India Women 1st ODI
The pitch at Allan Border Field is a balanced beauty that gives something to everyone – especially early on. It is a hard red-soil track with 4-6 mm of grass cover, excellent drainage, and Brisbane’s famous humidity (often 70-85% in February).
Pace & Bounce Behaviour
Fast bowlers will love the first 10-15 overs. The ball carries nicely and bounces true from a good length. Hit the deck hard, and you get extra lift that can trouble batters. Once batters settle, the ball comes onto the bat nicely – perfect for drives and pulls. Average 1st innings score in WODIs here: 213 runs.
Early Swing & Seam Movement
High humidity + overnight moisture + grass = big help for new-ball swing and seam. Pacers who bowl full and straight can get movement both ways. The recent domestic One-Day Cup match at The Gabba on 23 February (Queensland all out for 131) showed how pace-friendly Brisbane conditions are right now – fast bowlers took most wickets.
Batting Strategy on This Track
Opening batters: Respect the new ball! Expect 35-50 runs in the powerplay with 1-2 wickets possible. Middle overs: The surface flattens, outfield is lightning quick, so settled batters can go big. Death overs: Big shots travel – perfect for power-hitters.
Spin Role & Late Deterioration
Spinners get modest grip after 25 overs as the pitch dries. Extra bounce helps them too – bat-pad catches and top edges are common. They won’t turn the ball miles, but they can control the run rate.
Day-Night & Dew Factor
Match starts in afternoon sun but goes under lights. Twilight (around 6:30-8 PM local) can make the ball swing more. Dew in the second innings often helps batters and reduces seam – so chasing can be easier.
Side-by-Side: Allan Border Field vs The Gabba
| Aspect | Allan Border Field | The Gabba (Typical) |
|---|---|---|
| Bounce | Consistent, true, sharp | Higher, steeper |
| Early Seam/Swing | High (humidity + grass) | Very high (green top Day 1) |
| Average 1st Inns | 213 (WODI) | 250+ (WODI), 329 (Test) |
| Outfield Speed | Lightning quick | Extremely fast |
| Spin Help | Modest grip late | Holding role + extra bounce |
| Recent Trend | Balanced, field first edge | Pace dominates (23 Feb 131 all out) |
Historical WODI Stats at Allan Border Field (20 matches as of Feb 2026)
| Category | Statistic |
|---|---|
| Average 1st Innings Score | 213 runs |
| Highest Team Total | 371/8 (AUS-W vs IND-W, Dec 2024) |
| Lowest Team Total | 83 (WI-W vs AUS-W) |
| Matches Won Batting First | 9 |
| Matches Won Chasing | 11 (chasing slightly favoured) |
| Australia W Record | 20 wins from 20 (100%!) |
First 10 Overs vs Middle vs Death Trends (approx.)
| Phase | Expected Runs | Wickets Likely | Key Tip for Batters |
|---|---|---|---|
| Powerplay | 35-50 | 1-2 | Play late, respect new ball |
| Middle Overs | 120-150 | 3-4 | Rotate strike, accelerate |
| Death Overs | 70-90 | 2-3 | Go big – outfield is quick |
Aussie quicks – this is your playground! Indian batters – survive the first hour and you will score freely.
Brisbane Weather Forecast for Australia Women vs India Women 1st ODI 2026 – Will Rain or Dew Decide the Game?
Brisbane on February 24 will be warm and humid – typical summer weather that cricket fans love.
- Max temperature: 29–31°C
- Humidity: 65–85% (higher in evening)
- Cloud cover: Mostly sunny, 20–30% chance of isolated shower
- Rain expected: Low (possible brief afternoon shower, unlikely to affect full match)
- Evening: Dew likely under lights, temperatures drop to ~20-22°C
How Weather Impacts Play
Morning humidity = extra swing for pacers in powerplay.
Cloud cover helps seam movement.
Dew in second innings = less grip for spinners and easier batting for chasers.
Pack sunscreen, India fans, but keep an eye on evening clouds! A competitive total here is 260-280+. Bowl first and chase under lights could be the winning formula.
Allan Border Field WODI Records – Australia Women’s Happy Hunting Ground
Australia Women have never lost a completed WODI at this venue – 20 wins from 20 matches. That is a world record!
Venue Statistical Leaders (WODIs)
| Player | Team | Achievement |
|---|---|---|
| Rachael Haynes | AUS | Most Career Runs (489) |
| Ellyse Perry | AUS | Highest Individual Score (105 vs IND, Dec 2024) |
| Jess Jonassen | AUS | Most Career Wickets (17) |
| Megan Schutt | AUS | Best Bowling (5/19 vs IND) |
| Georgia Voll | AUS | Recent Century (101 vs IND) |
| Jemimah Rodrigues | IND | Recent high score in WC |
Top Team Totals & Lows
| Record | Score | Match Details |
|---|---|---|
| Highest Total | 371/8 | AUS-W vs IND-W, Dec 2024 |
| Lowest Total | 83 all out | WI-W vs AUS-W |
| Highest Match Aggregate | 781 runs (2025) | AUS-W vs IND-W |
Australia Women 2026 – Unbeaten at Home, Healy’s Farewell Tour
Australia enter this match as strong favourites at their fortress. Predicted XI: Alyssa Healy (c & wk), Beth Mooney, Ellyse Perry, Annabel Sutherland, Ashleigh Gardner, Tahlia McGrath, Georgia Wareham, Jess Jonassen, Megan Schutt, Darcie Brown, Alana King.
Key Milestones to Watch
- Beth Mooney: Just 3 runs away from 3,000 ODI career runs. Local Brisbane girl – expect fireworks!
- Alyssa Healy: Final ODI series – her leadership and explosive batting will be missed.
- Ellyse Perry: Already the first woman to 7,000 international runs + 300 wickets – achieved right here at ABF.
- Annabel Sutherland: 19 wickets in last 9 ODIs – all-round star on bouncy tracks.
Hey Aussie fans – this is your chance to give Healy a perfect send-off!
India Women 2026 – T20I Heroes Ready to Shock Australia Again
India come with massive momentum after beating Australia 2-1 in T20Is. Predicted XI: Smriti Mandhana, Shafali Verma, Harmanpreet Kaur (c), Jemimah Rodrigues, Richa Ghosh (wk), Deepti Sharma, Pooja Vastrakar, Radha Yadav, Renuka Singh, Arundhati Reddy, Sneh Rana.
Standout Stars
- Smriti Mandhana: Record 1,362 ODI runs in 2025 (most ever by a woman in a calendar year). Loves Brisbane – averages nearly 50 vs Australia here. One more century equals Meg Lanning’s 15 ODI tons record.
- Deepti Sharma: World’s leading wicket-taker in 2025 WC with 22 wickets.
- Harmanpreet Kaur: Proven big-match player after that famous 2025 WC semi-final chase.
Indian fans – your team has the belief to win here. Smriti is the danger woman!
Australia vs India Women Head-to-Head ODI Record
Overall (61 matches)
Australia Women: 49 wins
India Women: 12 wins
At Allan Border Field
Australia: 2 wins
India: 0 wins
Toss Strategy & Predicted Playing XIs
History shows chasing wins 60% of games at ABF. Captains usually bowl first to use morning moisture and new-ball swing, then chase with dew helping batting. Both Healy and Harmanpreet prefer to bowl first here.
Player Battles to Watch – Smriti vs Sutherland, Mandhana vs Australian Pace Attack
- Smriti Mandhana vs Megan Schutt & Darcie Brown – Smriti’s elegant drives vs sharp swing.
- Annabel Sutherland vs Indian middle order – Her all-round skills on bouncy tracks can change games.
- Ellyse Perry vs Deepti Sharma – Two legends battling in all departments.
- Beth Mooney vs Renuka Singh – Local star vs India’s swing bowler.
Predicted Top Performers
| Player | Team | Why They Will Shine |
|---|---|---|
| Smriti Mandhana | IND | Form + Brisbane love affair |
| Beth Mooney | AUS | Needs 3 runs, home ground |
| Annabel Sutherland | AUS | All-round impact on pace-friendly pitch |
| Deepti Sharma | IND | Wickets + control in middle overs |
Australia Women vs India Women 1st ODI 2026 – Win Probability & Expert Prediction
Australia: 67-70% (home record + unbeaten at venue)
India: 30-33% (but rising fast after T20I win and WC heroics)
Likely Scenarios
- High-scoring chase (280+ defended or chased with dew).
- Pace-dominated low total (like recent Gabba domestic).
- Spin battle in middle overs.
Bottom Line: Expect 260-280 as a par score. Bowl-first strategy likely wins. Australia start favourites at their happy hunting ground, but Smriti Mandhana and India’s new confidence make this a mouth-watering contest.
Brisbane 2026 – The Stage is Set for an Epic Australia Women vs India Women 1st ODI
What a series opener we have! The venue correction is clear – Allan Border Field will host a classic. Australia’s unbeatable record, Healy’s farewell, Mandhana’s form, and Brisbane’s lively pitch guarantee entertainment.
Cricket fans from both nations, this is why we love the game. Whether you are cheering green and gold or blue, enjoy every moment. May the best team win – but more importantly, may the cricket be brilliant!
Game on, Brisbane – deliver another classic!
All data accurate as of 23 February 2026 from official sources including Cricket Australia, BCCI, and venue records. Always check final team news at toss.
FAQs for Australia Women vs India Women 1st ODI 2026
1. What is the venue for Australia Women vs India Women 1st ODI 2026? The Australia Women vs India Women 1st ODI 2026 will be played at Allan Border Field, Brisbane (not The Gabba). Official Cricket Australia and BCCI schedules confirm Allan Border Field as the venue. This compact ground has hosted recent women’s ODIs and is famous for its lively yet balanced surface.
2. What is the Gabba Brisbane pitch report 2026 for women’s ODIs? While the match is at Allan Border Field, the Gabba Brisbane pitch report 2026 shows typical pace-friendly conditions. The recent domestic match (23 Feb 2026) saw Queensland bowled out for 131, proving fast bowlers dominate in current Brisbane weather. Allan Border Field offers similar early seam and true bounce.
3. How is the Allan Border Field pitch report for Australia Women vs India Women 1st ODI 2026? The Allan Border Field pitch report for the Australia Women vs India Women 1st ODI 2026 describes a balanced red-soil track with 4–6 mm grass. Pacers get sharp bounce and swing in the first 15 overs, while batters can score freely once settled. Average 1st innings score is 213 runs.
4. What time does Australia Women vs India Women 1st ODI 2026 start? The Australia Women vs India Women 1st ODI 2026 starts at 9:20 AM IST (1:50 PM local AEDT) on Tuesday, 24 February 2026. The day-night game will extend under floodlights at Allan Border Field, Brisbane.
5. Who are the favourites to win Australia Women vs India Women 1st ODI 2026? Australia Women are strong favourites (67–70% win probability) for the Australia Women vs India Women 1st ODI 2026 due to their 20-0 record at Allan Border Field. India Women, however, bring huge momentum after their historic 2-1 T20I series win on Australian soil.
6. What are the key player milestones in Australia Women vs India Women 1st ODI 2026? Watch Beth Mooney (needs just 3 runs for 3,000 ODI career runs), Smriti Mandhana (one more century equals Meg Lanning’s record of 15 ODI tons), and Alyssa Healy (final ODI series). Ellyse Perry has already achieved her historic 7,000-run + 300-wicket double at this venue.
7. Should captains bowl first in Australia Women vs India Women 1st ODI 2026? Yes — history at Allan Border Field shows chasing wins 60% of games. Captains are expected to bowl first in the Australia Women vs India Women 1st ODI 2026 to use early morning humidity and new-ball swing before dew helps the second innings.
8. How good is Smriti Mandhana’s record in Brisbane? Smriti Mandhana loves Brisbane conditions. She averages nearly 50 against Australia in Australia and has scored big hundreds here across formats. Expect her to be the standout performer in the Australia Women vs India Women 1st ODI 2026.
9. What is the weather forecast for Australia Women vs India Women 1st ODI 2026 in Brisbane? Warm 29–31°C with 65–85% humidity and only 20–30% chance of isolated showers. High evening humidity will help swing, while dew under lights may assist the chasing side in the Australia Women vs India Women 1st ODI 2026.
10. How does Allan Border Field compare to The Gabba for this match? Allan Border Field offers slightly lower but consistent bounce compared to The Gabba’s steeper bounce. Both share Brisbane’s humidity and red soil. The Gabba Brisbane pitch report 2026 (pace-dominated) mirrors what fans can expect at Allan Border Field for the Australia Women vs India Women 1st ODI 2026.