Vijay Singh
New Delhi [India], February 21: India beat Australia women’s T20 in the third T20 International at the Adelaide Oval. Smriti Mandhana and Jemimah Rodrigues led from the front as India posted 176–6 and restricted Australia to 98–5, sealing a 17-run, series-winning performance.
How India Built the Target
India won the toss and chose to bat. That decision landed with precision.
India piled up 176–6 in their allotted 20 overs. On paper, it looked strong. On the field, it proved overwhelming. Smriti Mandhana was the driving force. Blending grace with intent, the vice-captain punched and flicked her way to an unbeaten 82 off 55 balls. Eight fours and three sixes followed, leaving Australia short on answers and shorter on control.
Jemimah Rodrigues finished the job with a resolute 59 off 46 balls. She didn’t just score runs. She managed phases, kept the scoreboard ticking, and steadily drained Australia’s bowling resources.
By the time India reached 176, the batting effort had been smart, quick, and purposeful. Rhythm, aggression, and discipline combined into a near-perfect T20 innings.
Australia’s Chase: Stifled and Stalled
Australia needed close to eight runs an over to stay in the contest. They never looked comfortable.
Ashleigh Gardner fought hard with a determined 57, but support was minimal. Australia lost momentum early and never recovered. Tentative starts, loose execution, and India’s bowlers sticking relentlessly to their lines made every over feel heavier than the last.
Shreyanka Patil was the backbone of India’s bowling performance. Her wickets came at critical moments, removing Georgia Voll, Ellyse Perry, and Annabel Sutherland. These were the breakthroughs that tilted the match decisively. Australia kept losing partners and eventually limped to 98–5 with 7.3 overs remaining.
Fielding further widened the gap. India’s outfield work was sharp, catches were clean, and throws hit their mark. Australia, in contrast, missed chances and failed to shut down key moments.
Standout Performances
Smriti Mandhana
She was everywhere. Style, precision, and authority defined her innings. The unbeaten 82 off 55 balls was the kind of knock that breaks resistance and dictates results. Player of the Match honours were inevitable.
Jemimah Rodrigues
No filler, all substance. Her 59 held India steady through the toughest middle overs when pressure usually creeps in.
Shreyanka Patil
The unsung architect of the win. Her timely wickets tightened the grip and shut Australia out. Clinical barely covers it.
Harmanpreet Kaur
Captaincy with intent. Field placements, bowling changes, and tactical calls all appeared measured and effective.
Series in Context
India conquered Australia in the women’s T20 series, winning it 2–1. This matters. Australia are formidable at home, and the Adelaide Oval is no easy venue. India walked into the decider with the mindset of contenders, not visitors.
After losing the second T20 in Canberra by 19 runs, India responded with clarity and conviction. This is not a side that unravels under pressure.
The focus now shifts to the ODI leg in Brisbane. Australia will look for a response. India will arrive confident.
When India sets a target of 177 and bowls with discipline like that, “excuses” become irrelevant. — Cricket strategist
Final Takeaway
In a performance that was both convincing and complete, India outplayed Australia in the women’s T20. At the Adelaide Oval, one side imposed its game without hesitation. Precision. Purpose. Punch.
