Australia Women squared their T20I series against India with a hard-fought 19-run victory in the second outing at Manuka Oval, Canberra. After India’s DLS-aided 21-run win in Sydney on February 15, the hosts responded emphatically, forcing a 1-1 tie. All eyes now turn to the Adelaide showdown on February 21.
Tossed to bat, Australia rode on a blistering opening duo of Georgia Voll and Beth Mooney. Their 128-run stand in 14.5 overs dismantled India’s bowling early. Mooney scored a lively 46 off 39 (4×4) before perishing, leaving Voll to dominate with 88 off 57 (11×4, 1×6). The innings closed at 163/5, with Gardner unbeaten on 10. Arundhati Reddy (2 wickets) and Renuka Thakur (1) were India’s chief threats.
India’s chase sparked with Verma (29, 23 balls, 5×4) and Mandhana (31, 24 balls) piling 57 in powerplay. Three wickets for 14 runs shifted momentum to 71/3.
Kaur’s resilient 36 paired with Ghosh for 55 vital runs, but the fourth wicket fell at 126 in 16.5 overs. A collapse ensued, with 133/9 proving insurmountable, stranding India at 144.
Gardner led the bowling charts with 3 wickets; Garth, Sutherland, and Molineux claimed two apiece. Australia’s clinical performance evens the scales for a blockbuster finale.