Match Prediction: Who Wins the 3rd ODI Between Australia and India?

The cricketing world turns its attention back to the Bellerive Oval this Sunday for the third and final installment of the ODI leg in this high-stakes multi-format series. Australia has already stamped its authority on the 50-over format, turning a 4-2 deficit into a 6-4 lead with two clinical performances that left the visitors searching for answers. While the series trophy for this leg is already decided, the final match remains a critical juncture for both teams. For India, it is a matter of pride and a desperate need to reclaim momentum before the upcoming Test match. For Australia, it is an opportunity to prove that their youthful top order is not just the future, but a dominant present force capable of a clean sweep.

The Narrative of the Second ODI

The story of the previous encounter was defined by a massive gulf in batting intent. India’s total of 251, while anchored by resilient half-centuries from Pratika Rawal and the captain Harmanpreet Kaur, ultimately felt inadequate on a Hobart surface that played significantly better than the opening game. Harmanpreet herself admitted that the group had set a target of 300-plus, recognizing that the pitch and the fast outfield demanded a much higher ceiling. The recurring issue for the Indian side has been a lack of sustained partnerships in the middle overs and a failure to bat deep enough to launch a final assault. Despite these struggles, the Indian camp remains optimistic, pointing to the individual growth of younger players as a sign that they are only a few tactical adjustments away from a breakthrough.

Australia’s Dominant Response

Australia’s reply to India’s total was nothing short of a statement. Despite an early stumble with the loss of Alyssa Healy, the duo of Phoebe Litchfield and Georgia Voll turned the chase into a highlight reel. Their 119-run partnership stripped India of any defensive pressure, as they struck the ball with a level of freedom that suggests total comfort in these conditions. Georgia Voll, the Player of the Match, showcased why she is considered one of the most exciting prospects in the game, reaching a century in just the 31st over and effectively ending the contest with nearly 14 overs to spare. Alyssa Healy’s praise for her "young kids" reflects a team brimming with confidence, where the senior players feel they can simply step aside and let the next generation dictate the terms of the game.

The Road to Sunday’s Finale

Looking ahead to Sunday, the prediction leans heavily toward an Australian victory unless India can radically transform their approach in the first fifteen overs of both innings. The Australian bowling unit has been exceptional at winning the "small phases," keeping India well below par even when set batters are at the crease. To stand a chance, India must find a way to dismiss Voll or Litchfield early and force the experienced middle order of Beth Mooney and Ellyse Perry to rebuild under pressure. Furthermore, the Indian top order needs to play with the same positive intent that the Australians have displayed, taking calculated risks to ensure the scoreboard keeps ticking at a rate that pushes the total toward that elusive 300-run mark.

The Final Verdict

Ultimately, Australia enters the third ODI as the clear favorite. They are playing a brand of simple, effective cricket where every player understands their role and executes it with clinical precision. While India possesses the talent to spring an upset, the psychological edge currently sits firmly with the hosts. Australia’s ability to dominate key moments and their relentless pursuit of a whitewash make them the most likely winners. However, cricket is a game of fine margins, and if Harmanpreet Kaur can inspire her team to rectify their "same mistakes" and bat with the depth she has called for, we could be in for the most competitive battle of the tour so far.