Electrifying action unfolded in Adelaide as Indian women’s team, batting first in the do-or-die third T20I, amassed 176/6 to challenge Australia. Mandhana’s fireworks and Rodrigues’ solidity formed the backbone of a competitive total in the evenly-poised series.
Early jitters hit when Shafali Verma scored 7 before edging behind at 19/1. Undeterred, Mandhana unleashed 82 from 55 balls (8 fours, 3 sixes) alongside Rodrigues’ composed 59 (46 balls, 4 fours), their 121-run alliance shifting momentum decisively.
Ghosh’s 18-run cameo off 7 balls accelerated proceedings, but drama ensued with dual run-outs off the last pair of deliveries. Harmanpreet Kaur stood firm unbeaten on 2. Australia’s attack led by Sutherland’s 2 wickets, supported by Garth and Molineux.
Ellyse Perry etched history with her 350th international outing, the first for any Australian woman, surpassing Healy’s 295. At 1-1, victory here crowns the champion. India’s historic 2015-16 series win (2-1) in Australia adds intrigue – will history repeat as the Aussies pursue 177?