Australia, 21 February (Sports Desk)
India Women Defeat Australia by 17 Runs in 3rd T20I, Clinch Historic 2-1 Series Victory – First Bilateral T20I Series Win in Australia Since 2016
In a thrilling series decider at the Adelaide Oval on February 21, 2026, India Women registered a commanding 17-run victory over Australia Women in the third and final T20I, sealing the three-match series 2-1. This marks India’s first bilateral T20I series triumph over Australia in a decade (since 2016) and a landmark achievement for Harmanpreet Kaur’s side in the ongoing multi-format tour.
Key Match Details:
- Venue: Adelaide Oval, Adelaide
- Toss: India Women won the toss and elected to bat first.
- India Women Innings: 176/6 in 20 overs
- Smriti Mandhana (vice-captain) top-scored with a brilliant 82 off 55 balls (8 fours, 3 sixes, strike rate 149.09) – her highest T20I score in Australia, breaking her own previous record.
- Jemimah Rodrigues provided solid support with 59 off 46 balls.
- The duo forged a crucial 121-run partnership for the second wicket, powering India to their second-highest T20I total in Australia.
- Annabel Sutherland was the pick of the Australian bowlers with 2/34.
- Australia Women Innings: 159/9 in 20 overs (target 177)
- Ashleigh Gardner top-scored with a fighting 57 off 45 balls.
- India’s spinners dominated: Shreyanka Patil (3/22) and Shree Charani (3/32) claimed three wickets each, restricting the hosts despite a strong middle-order effort.
- Early breakthroughs, including the key wicket of Ellyse Perry (on her 350th international appearance), swung the momentum India’s way.
watch….Unbeaten India March On: Shivam Dube Named Player of the Match in 17-Run Triumph Over Netherlands
Player of the Match: Smriti Mandhana – for her match-defining, aggressive knock that set up India’s imposing total and earned widespread praise for her intent and execution.
This win not only handed Australia their first home T20I series loss since 2017 but also gave India a 4-2 lead in the multi-format series (which includes Tests, ODIs, and T20Is). The Indian team’s all-round performance, blending explosive batting and disciplined bowling, highlighted their growing prowess against the world champions.
A historic moment for Women in Blue – congratulations to the team on this rare and well-deserved series triumph! 🇮🇳
