Cricket fans were treated to an enthralling finale in the third Women’s T20 International between India and Australia at the iconic Adelaide Where the Indian women’s team delivered a brilliant performance to clinch the series 2–1 with a 17-run victory over the hosts.
After winning the toss, India chose to bat first and immediately showed intent. Smriti Mandhana was in stunning touch, crafting a powerful 82-run innings off just 55 balls that set the tone and kept the scoreboard ticking with elegant drives and powerful pulls. She found a perfect partner in Jemimah Rodrigues, who complemented her aggression with a composed 59, and together they stitched a commanding 121-run partnership for the second wicket, a stand that truly defined India’s innings.
India finished their 20 overs at 176-6, a competitive total on a batting surface that had offered good visibility and bounce. The crowd, expecting a fervent chase from the Australian side, cheered on their women but were soon met with disciplined Indian bowling that put the brakes on early momentum.
Australia’s reply started brightly with Ashleigh Gardner offering resistance with a well-timed 57, but consistent breakthroughs from India’s bowlers, particularly Shreyanka Patil and Shree Charani ensured the hosts never got quite comfortable. Patil finished with an excellent 3-22, while Charani also claimed multiple wickets to stem the flow of runs.
Despite Gardner’s valiant effort, Australia fell short at 159-9, handing India a memorable 17-run win. The result was historic, marking India’s first bilateral T20I series victory in Australia in a decade, and only the second time they have achieved this rare feat on Australian soil.
The victory was built on a blend of fearless batting, incisive bowling, and sharp fielding qualities that India displayed under pressure. Mandhana’s innings earned her the Player of the Match award, and rightly so; her aggression early in India’s innings laid the foundation for the competitive total that ultimately proved decisive.
For Australia, the loss was disappointing on home turf, especially in front of an enthusiastic Adelaide crowd. But it also showcased the growing competitiveness of women’s cricket, with both sides fighting hard and producing memorable moments throughout the series.
As the multi-format tour now moves on to the ODI leg, this thrilling T20 series finale in Adelaide will remain a highlight of a match where India’s women stood firm, played with purpose, and etched their names into cricketing history.
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