The highly anticipated India Women tour of Australia kicked off with high-octane drama at the Gabba in Brisbane on February 24, 2026. As the lights flickered on for this Day/Night WODI series opener, all eyes were on the Indian top order, specifically the returning Pratika Rawal. However, the comeback story many fans had hoped for was ruthlessly cut short by the veteran expertise of Megan Schutt, who reminded the world why she remains one of the most lethal exponents of the new ball in women’s cricket.

Megan Schutt shatters Pratika Rawal’s comeback with a peach in the opening WODI

India’s decision to bat first under the Brisbane clouds backfired almost instantly. Taking the new ball, Schutt wasted no time in finding her rhythm. After a dot ball to start the innings, Schutt produced a delivery that will likely haunt Rawal’s highlights reel. Steaming in for the second ball of the match, Schutt unleashed a sharp, late-dipping inswinger that caught Rawal completely off guard.

Rawal, appearing slightly tentative in her first international appearance in months, remained rooted to the crease with a bent back knee. The ball snaked past the inside edge and struck her high on the pad, prompting a deafening appeal from the Australian slip cordon. While the umpire’s finger went up immediately, Rawal opted for a desperate DRS review, hoping the height of the bounce might save her. However, ball-tracking technology confirmed the worst for the visitors: the delivery was “three reds,” smashing into the middle and leg stump. Rawal departed for a two-ball duck, leaving India at a precarious 0/1 within the first minute of play.

Here’s the video:

What a stunning start from Megan Schutt! Second ball 🔥@Westpac | #DRSChallenge | #AUSvIND pic.twitter.com/9eOu2WRDMp

— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) February 24, 2026

Also READ: AUS-W vs IND-W, 1st ODI: Here’s why Ellyse Perry is not playing in today’s match

Early setbacks put India on the back foot against Australia in the first WODI

The early dismissal of Rawal set a somber tone for the Indian innings, as the Australian bowling unit tightened the screws. Despite a valiant effort from vice-captain Smriti Mandhana, who looked composed with a strike rate hovering around 91, the rest of the top order struggled to find their footing against the relentless Aussie pace and spin hybrid attack.

By the 26th over, India found themselves in a deep hole at 115/5. The scorecard told a story of missed opportunities and disciplined Australian bowling, where Shafali Verma (4 off 17) fell victim to a sharp return catch by Darcie Brown, failing to capitalize on the Powerplay and Jemimah Rodrigues (8 off 13) showed glimpses of intent but eventually mistimed a shot off Ashleigh Gardner, ending in the safe hands of Beth Mooney. Smriti Mandhana on the other hand who remained the lone warrior got dismissed for 58 off 68 balls. Though, she was joined by captain Harmanpreet Kaur (24*) in an attempt to rebuild the innings.

The Australian bowling figures reflected their dominance. Schutt’s opening spell of 1/22 in five overs provided the platform, while Brown (1/24) and Gardner (1/7) kept the run rate under 5.00. For India to post a competitive total in this series opener, the middle order led by Richa Ghosh will need to provide significant support to Mandhana, as the “Schutt-shock” continues to reverberate through the Indian dugout.

Also READ: Australia vs India, Women’s ODI Series: Schedule, Team News, Broadcast and Live Streaming Details

This article was first published at WomenCricket.com, a Cricket Times company.

For latest cricket news & updates, visit CricketTimes.com.