Adelaide Oval witnessed a masterclass from Smriti Mandhana as India women edged Australia by 17 runs in the decisive third T20I, clinching the series 2-1 on Saturday. The win caps a fiercely contested series that kept fans on the edge of their seats.
Recapping the buildup: India’s series opener in Sydney was a rain-shortened affair they won by 21 runs via DLS. Australia hit back in Canberra with a 19-run victory, setting up a do-or-die clash. India rose to the occasion.
Batting first, India recovered from an early jolt—Shefali Verma out for 7 at 19—to post 176/6. Mandhana’s 82 (55 balls, 8×4, 3×6) anchored a vital 121-run partnership for the second wicket, taking the score to 140. Jemimah Rodrigues’ 59 (46 balls, 4×4) and Richa Ghosh’s 18 provided the finishing touches. Australia’s bowlers, led by Sutherland’s 2 wickets, couldn’t contain the momentum.
In reply, Australia started shakily, losing Voll early and reeling at 63/4. Litchfield’s 26 helped stabilize briefly with Gardner, but Gardner’s valiant 57 couldn’t bridge the gap. Partnerships with Wareham and Sutherland added 35 and 30 runs respectively, yet they finished at 159/9.
Patil and Charani’s three-wicket hauls were game-changers, complemented by Reddy’s brace and Thakur’s scalp. Mandhana’s knock earned her Player of the Match honors, but the team’s collective effort was the real story. This series triumph signals India’s evolution in white-ball cricket, especially away from home against a powerhouse like Australia. Expect more fireworks from this dynamic squad.