In a thrilling encounter at the ICC Women's World Cup, the Indian team succumbed to a three-wicket defeat against world champions Australia, who successfully chased down a record target of 331 runs. The match, played on Sunday, October 12, saw India's commanding position unravel due to a significant lower-order batting collapse.

India, batting first, put up an impressive total of 330 runs. Openers Smriti Mandhana, who scored 80, and Pratika Rawal, with 75 runs, laid a solid foundation for the team. However, the momentum shifted dramatically as India lost six crucial wickets for just 36 runs in the final seven overs of their innings. This collapse was a major talking point, with Indian captain Harmanpreet Kaur acknowledging it as the primary reason for their loss.

Australia's chase was powered by a magnificent century from captain Alyssa Healy, who scored a blistering 142 runs off just 107 balls, earning her the player of the match award. Annabel Sutherland was instrumental for Australia with the ball, claiming her maiden five-wicket haul (5/40) and dismantling India's lower order. This chase marked the highest successful run-chase in the history of women's One Day Internationals.

Adding a silver lining amidst the defeat, Smriti Mandhana achieved a remarkable personal milestone during her innings. She became the fastest Indian cricketer, male or female, to reach 5,000 runs in Women's ODIs, accomplishing the feat in just 112 innings. This surpassed the record previously held by Virat Kohli, who reached the milestone in 114 innings.

Post-match, Harmanpreet Kaur expressed concerns regarding the team's recurring batting collapses and the "sixth bowler issue," indicating areas that require immediate attention for the Indian squad in the ongoing tournament.

Meanwhile, in other sporting news, the Indian men's cricket team is currently engaged in a Test series against West Indies. In the second Test, West Indies openers John Campbell and Shai Hope put up a strong fight after India enforced the follow-on, preventing a quick capitulation. Earlier in the match, India had declared their innings at 518 for 5, with Shubman Gill contributing a century.

In football, the All India Football Federation (AIFF) has adopted the Supreme Court-approved constitution, though two specific clauses remain pending for further clarification. Additionally, Mithun Manhas has been elected as the new president of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI).