Source The guardian
ADELAIDE – India’s women’s team etched their names into the record books on Saturday, defeating Australia by 17 runs in a high-stakes series decider at the Adelaide Oval. The victory secured a 2-1 series win for the “Women in Blue,” marking their first bilateral T20I series triumph on Australian soil in a decade.
The Mandhana-Rodrigues Masterclass
After winning the toss and electing to bat, India overcame the early loss of Shafali Verma (7) thanks to a clinical second-wicket partnership. Vice-captain Smriti Mandhana played one of her finest T20I innings, smashing a brilliant 82 off 55 balls. She was ably supported by Jemimah Rodrigues, who anchored the middle overs with a steady 59 off 46.
Together, the duo stitched a 121-run stand that effectively neutralized the Australian bowling attack. Despite a late flurry of wickets from Annabel Sutherland in the final over, India posted an imposing total of 176/6—a record score for them in T20Is in Australia.
Patil’s Magic with the Ball
Australia’s chase began with characteristic aggression, but the momentum shifted dramatically when off-spinner Shreyanka Patil entered the fray. Returning to the playing XI, Patil struck early to dismiss Georgia Voll and followed it up with the prized scalp of Ellyse Perry, who was playing her milestone 350th international match.
Australia’s resistance was led by Ashleigh Gardner, who kept the hosts in the hunt with a defiant 57 off 45 balls. However, the pressure of the rising run rate proved too much. A stunning diving catch by Jemimah Rodrigues to dismiss Gardner and a bizarre hit-wicket dismissal of Grace Harris effectively ended Australian hopes.
Shree Charani was the pick of the bowlers in the death overs, finishing with 3/32, while Patil’s clinical 3/22 ensured Australia were restricted to 159/9.
A Milestone Victory
This victory gives India a 4-2 lead in points as the multi-format series transitions to the ODI leg. Speaking after the match, captain Harmanpreet Kaur praised the “complete team effort” and the composure shown by the younger bowlers in a hostile environment.
Brief Scores:
India Women: 176/6 (Smriti Mandhana 82, Jemimah Rodrigues 59; Annabel Sutherland 2/34)
Australia Women: 159/9 (Ashleigh Gardner 57, Phoebe Litchfield 26; Shreyanka Patil 3/22, Shree Charani 3/32)
Result: India won by 17 runs and won the series 2-1.
