Breaking a decade-long jinx, India’s women’s team outplayed Australia 2-1 in a gripping T20I series on foreign soil. The third match at Adelaide Oval delivered a 17-run victory, showcasing depth and determination in the visiting ranks.
India’s 176/6 was built on Smriti Mandhana’s dominant 82 (55 balls, 8×4, 3×6) and Jemimah Rodrigues’ 59 (4×4). Annabel Sutherland’s 4-fer tested them, but the platform was set.
Chasing, Australia stuttered to 159/9. Ashley Gardner’s 57 (45 balls, 6 boundaries) and Phoebe Litchfield’s 26 couldn’t bridge the gap, thanks to Shreyanka Patil and Sree Charani’s devastating 3-wicket hauls apiece.
BCCI’s Devajit Saikia hailed the feat online: ‘Heartiest congratulations on the 2-1 T20 series win against Australia. Impressive show in the multi-format tour opener. Sustain the fire for ODIs.’
Series highlights included a 21-run DLS win in match one and a narrow 19-run loss in two. This success revives 2012 nostalgia and positions India strongly for ODIs from February 24 to March 1.
Mandhana’s leadership, Rodrigues’ reliability, and the bowlers’ nous turned the tide. Australia’s home invincibility cracked, signaling a shift in women’s cricket dynamics as India eyes further glory.