The session majorly belonged to Annabel, who reached her fourth Test century off 133 deliveries and became the first Australian woman to score four hundreds in the format and the first to record three tons in succession.
However, India’s record at the Narendra Modi Stadium has been far from convincing.
Allen was in sensational touch, smashing the fastest century in the history of the T20 World Cup. The right-hander reached his hundred in just 33 balls, eclipsing the previous record of 47 deliveries set by Chris Gayle of the West Indies.
Chasing a competitive target of 179, Zimbabwe rode on a strong opening partnership between Bennett and Tadiwanashe Marumani to lay the foundation.
The win, the first in the format under captain Sophie Molineux, handed Australia their opening points in the multi-format series and set up a decider at the Adelaide Oval on Saturday.
One demerit point has been added to Munsey’s disciplinary record, marking his first offence in a 24-month period.
Smith replaces pacer Josh Hazlewood, with Australia having initially held off on naming a substitute after Hazlewood was sidelined earlier this month with a calf injury.
Kishan smashed 77 off just 40 deliveries, striking ten fours and three sixes on a sluggish, spin-friendly R Premadasa surface to power India to 175/7.
Holder, who was appointed captain at just 23, reflected on the weight of responsibility that came with leading the side, particularly the pressures off the field.
Bell, who represented England in 118 Tests, 161 ODIs and eight T20Is, will be part of an IPL setup for the first time in his career.
