Bolton, Lanning lead Stars to series win

The match in a tweet: Southern Stars shine in Hobart! Bolton and Lanning star as Australia win with six wickets in hand to seal the ODI series with one game to play.

Watch: Bolton blazes superb 77

The heroes: It was a pretty strong all-round performance from the Southern Stars, but it was the openers who put the hosts on track for victory in what could have been a very tough chase in pursuit of India's 8-252. In their second appearance as Australia's new opening pair, Meg Lanning and Nicole Bolton put their team on track with a 138-run opening stand scored in 22.3 overs. Bolton's 77 off 74 balls featured 10 boundaries and showed good signs after she was dismissed for one in her first international match of the summer in Canberra and the only shame was she couldn’t continue on to score her second one-day ton. Lanning's excellent from continued as she scored her ninth ODI fifty, getting off to a slow start as Bolton played the aggressor but picking up to reach 61 from 66 balls by the time she was dismissed.

Watch: Another fifty for magic Meg

The 'what the?' moment: No-one quite knew what to say or think when Alex Blackwell skied a ball straight above her head in the 31st over. Blackwell took off for a single, but veered in her path toward the ball, ending up between the two fielders trying to catch the ball mid-way down the pitch. The chance went down, then a subsequent run-out chance was missed as the No.4 ran and dove to make her ground. India captain Mithali Raj did not appeal for obstructing the field, so the Australian vice-captain remained.

Watch: Blackwell survives bizarre moment

The support cast: There were plenty of contributors with both bat and ball for Australia, something which is sure to please coach Matthew Mott with a big tour of New Zealand coming up. Perry continued her excellent form, taking 3-54 and scoring a snappy 31, while Megan Schutt (2-35) was the most economical of the Southern Stars' attack. Bolton and Lanning's efforts in the case were also aided by Blackwell (19), Jess Jonassen put together her best knock of the international summer to date as she guided the hosts home with an unbeaten 29, while Alyssa Healy chipped in with 27 not out.

The consolation effort: Smriti Mandhana's fighting century laid the foundations for India's  impressive total – and even more impressively, it came with the teenager battling through a shoulder complaint. Mandhana formed a damaging 150-run partnership with skipper Mithali Raj to help the tourists score 8-252 from their 50 overs, setting a hefty chase for Australia. Mandhana, 19, had returned to the India XI after injuring her right shoulder in the field in the third T20 last week and her 102 from 109 balls came with the left-hander still in obvious discomfort from the complaint, calling for the team physio on several occasions. But she persisted, and was rewarded with her maiden ODI century.

Watch: A century for teen Mandhana

The wicket: In-form allrounder Ellyse Perry gave the Southern Stars a dream start when she dismissed Thirush Kamini with the first ball of the match, however it took another 30.5 overs before Australia celebrated again, when Perry removed Raj for 58.

The stat: At 19 years and 202 days, Mandhana is the second youngest Indian woman to score an ODI century, and the seventh youngest of all time. Her skipper, Mithali Raj, holds the record for youngest from any country, with her first century coming when she was 16 years and 205 days.

What it all means: Australia take a 2-0 lead and secure the series, but ODI Championship points will still be on offer when the third ODI is held at Blundstone Arena on Sunday at 2.20pm. If you want to see a host of the world's top women's cricketers in action, make sure you head along to Blundstone Arena from 2.20pm AEDT on Sunday. Entry is free and the weather is set to be lovely, but if you can't attend, you can catch the free live steam on cricket.com.au.