Adelaide witnessed a batting masterclass from India’s Smriti Mandhana and Jemimah Rodrigues as the visitors racked up 176 for 6 against Australia in the series-deciding third T20 International. Winning the toss and electing to set a total, India overcame an early wobble to lay down a formidable challenge.
Shafali Verma’s dismissal for 7 left India in early trouble at 19 for 1. Enter Mandhana and Rodrigues, who forged a match-defining 121-run stand. The opener’s aggressive 82 off 55 balls – featuring 8 fours and 3 massive sixes – had the crowd on edge before she perished. Rodrigues anchored with 59 runs from 46 balls, finding the boundary 4 times.
Richa Ghosh’s explosive 18 off just 7 deliveries pushed the score higher, though captain Harmanpreet Kaur ended unbeaten on 2 amid two dramatic run-outs on the last two balls. Australia’s bowlers struck back late, with Annabel Sutherland grabbing a brace, and Kim Garth and Sophie Molineux chipping in with one wicket apiece.
Spotlight also on Ellyse Perry, marking her 350th international appearance – a milestone making her Australia’s most-capped woman cricketer. Alyssa Healy trails at 295 games. Series poised at 1-1, this decider revives memories of India’s 2015-16 series win Down Under (2-1). Can Australia chase down 177, or will India defend successfully?