India Women Clinch Historic T20I Series Victory in Adelaide
ADELAIDE – India Women secured a landmark series victory on Australian soil Saturday, defeating the hosts by 17 runs in the deciding third T20 International at the Adelaide Oval. The victory sealed the three-match series 2-1, marking a significant achievement for the visitors against the defending world champions.
Smriti Mandhana spearheaded the Indian batting effort with a commanding 82, while the bowling unit, led by Shreyanka Patil and Renuka Singh Thakur, successfully defended a total of 176 against a formidable Australian lineup.
Match Summary: 3rd T20I
| Category | India Women | Australia Women |
|---|---|---|
| Score | 176/6 (20 overs) | 159/9 (20 overs) |
| Top Scorer | Smriti Mandhana (82 off 55) | Ashleigh Gardner (57) |
| Best Bowling | Shreyanka Patil (3 wkts) | N/A |
| Result | India Women won by 17 runs | |
Mandhana and Rodrigues Power India to 176
After winning the toss and opting to bat, India overcame an early setback when Shafali Verma was dismissed cheaply in the powerplay. The early wicket brought Jemimah Rodrigues to the crease, joining vice-captain Smriti Mandhana to construct the innings’ defining partnership.
Mandhana displayed aggressive intent, reaching her half-century in just 38 balls. She continued to accelerate, finishing with a match-winning 82 runs off 55 balls, an innings laced with boundaries and aerial shots that put the Australian bowlers under pressure. Rodrigues provided excellent support, scoring a fluid 59 to anchor the middle overs.
Wicketkeeper-batter Richa Ghosh provided the finishing touches, adding a rapid 18 off 7 balls. Despite a flurry of wickets in the final over, India posted a competitive total of 176 for 6, a score that required a record chase at this venue.
Pacers and Spinners Stifle Australian Chase
Australia’s response began with high intensity as openers Georgia Voll and Beth Mooney targeted the boundaries early. However, India’s bowling attack struck back decisively in the powerplay. Shreyanka Patil dismissed the dangerous Voll, while pacer Renuka Singh Thakur (replacing the misidentified Shree Charani from initial reports) removed the experienced Beth Mooney shortly after.
The situation worsened for the hosts when Ellyse Perry fell cheaply, reducing Australia to a precarious 32 for 3. Ashleigh Gardner attempted to resurrect the innings, fighting a lone battle with a gritty 57. However, the lack of partnerships proved fatal for the chase.
India’s bowlers executed their plans with precision. Shreyanka Patil and Renuka Singh claimed three wickets apiece, breaking the backbone of the Australian lineup. Australia finished on 159 for 9, falling 17 runs short of the target.
Mandhana was named Player of the Match for her decisive knock that set the tone for India’s historic series win.
Key Statistics
- Series Result: India Women won 2-1.
- Partnership: Mandhana and Rodrigues added over 100 runs for the second wicket.
- Bowling Figures: Shreyanka Patil (3 wickets), Renuka Singh (3 wickets).
For official scorecards and future tour schedules, visit the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) or Cricket Australia. Complete rankings are available via the International Cricket Council (ICC).