The Indian women’s cricket squad celebrated a hard-fought 2-1 series win over Australia, powered by Smriti Mandhana’s sublime 82 in the series-clinching third T20I. The 17-run margin in Adelaide highlighted India’s growing prowess in high-stakes encounters.
Mandhana’s post-match reflections captured the moment’s essence: ‘There’s something special about beating them here at home.’ She praised Jemimah Rodrigues for her 59 off 46, noting their 121-run stand as the game’s turning point that eased pressure on the middle order.
After Harmanpreet Kaur won the toss and batted, the openers delivered. Mandhana’s 55-ball stay featured elegant drives and powerful pulls, helping post 176/6. Australia’s reply, targeting 177, saw Gardner top-score with 57, but lacked depth.
Bowlers Charani (3/32) and Patil (3/22) orchestrated a collapse, restricting Australia to 159/9. This victory not only avenges past defeats but boosts morale for the ODIs.
True to form, Mandhana shifted gears quickly. ‘No big party yet – ODIs are next,’ she said, exemplifying the relentless drive defining this Indian side’s resurgence.