India got off their ICC Women's World Cup campaign to the best possible start as they handed a 17-run defeat to the hosts and defending champions Australia in the tournament opener being played at the Sydney Showground stadium in Sydney.

After India posted 132 for 4  on the board, the bowlers came to the party by bowling out Australian for 115. The architect of India's win was spinner Poonam Yadav who picked up a match winning haul of 4 for 19.

Set a below par target of 133 to win, seamer Shikha Pandey struck early to dismiss opener Beth Mooney for six. Skipper Meg Lanning departed soon as spinner Gaekwad sent her back to the pavilion for 5.


Meanwhile Alyessa Healy continued to pile on the runs from one end and kept the Australian scoreboard ticking. Healy eventually departed for quick-fire half century as spinner Poonam Yadav had her caught of her own bowling.

Poonam Yadav then cast a web around the Aussies by dismissing Rachael Haynes and Ellyse Perry in successive deliveries. Yadav bagged yet another wicket after Jess Jonassen edged one to Tanya Bhatia. Needless run-outs towards the end of the Australian innings helped India's cause as they opened their campaign with a clinical win.

India will play Bangladesh in their next group fixture on Feb 24.