India women win 3rd T20I & beat Aussies 2-1 in T20I series , Mandhana shines

 

India began their three-format tour of Australia on a positive and commanding note, defeating the hosts by 17 runs in the opening T20 on Saturday. A magnificent batting display from Smriti Mandhana and Jemimah Rodrigues, backed by disciplined bowling, ensured a well-deserved victory.

After winning the toss, captain Harmanpreet Kaur opted to bat first, but India suffered an early setback with the dismissal of Shafali Verma for just 7. Continuing her lean run in the series, Shafali mistimed a lofted shot off Kim Garth outside off stump and was comfortably caught by Annabel Sutherland.

From there, Mandhana and Rodrigues steadied the innings with a brilliant and composed partnership. The duo stitched together a superb 121-run stand for the second wicket, shifting the momentum firmly in India’s favour. They attacked the bowlers with confidence, notably smashing three boundaries off Sophie Molineux in the sixth over. Mandhana looked particularly aggressive, producing a stunning sweep off Georgia Wareham in the ninth over that highlighted her class and timing. At the halfway mark, India were well placed at 86/1.

The partnership, which began in the third over, finally ended in the 17th over when Mandhana departed after a scintillating 82 off 55 balls, an innings laced with eight fours and three sixes. Her knock also made her the highest run-scorer among Indian batters across formats against Australia. Rodrigues continued her fluent strokeplay and scored a valuable 59 off 46 balls, including four elegant boundaries. Richa Ghosh added late impetus with a brisk 18 off just 7 balls, though the rest of the batters failed to make notable contributions.

Chasing the target, Australia got off to a brisk start, scoring 18 runs in the very first over bowled by Renuka Thakur. However, India struck back quickly when Shreyanka Patil dismissed Georgia Voll  for 10 in the second over off a mistimed sweep . The Indian bowlers then applied consistent pressure, preventing any significant partnerships from developing.

Mooney(6) was dismissed by Renuka &  Phoebe Litchfield (26) failed to convert their start, while Ashleigh Gardner fought a lone battle with a fighting 57. Despite her resistance, Australia never could lace a longer partnership and eventually finished at 159/9.

India’s bowling unit delivered a disciplined and impactful performance, with Shreyanka Patil and Sri Charani claiming three wickets each, sealing a confident and well-rounded victory for the visitors.