In a high-stakes clash at Adelaide Oval, the Indian women’s cricket team set a challenging target of 177 for Australia in the decisive third T20I of the series. Opting to bat first after winning the toss, India posted 176 for 6 in their 20 overs, powered by brilliant half-centuries from Smriti Mandhana and Jemimah Rodrigues.
The innings got off to a shaky start with opener Shafali Verma departing for just 7 runs when the score was a mere 19. But Mandhana and Rodrigues steadied the ship with a sensational 121-run partnership for the second wicket. Mandhana, looking set for a ton, smashed 82 off 55 balls, including 8 fours and 3 sixes, before falling short of glory.
Rodrigues contributed a classy 59 from 46 deliveries, laced with 4 boundaries. Wicketkeeper-batter Richa Ghosh then injected pace into the innings, scoring a quickfire 18 off 7 balls. Captain Harmanpreet Kaur remained unbeaten on 2, but the final two balls saw two run-outs, handing Australia late breakthroughs.
Annabel Sutherland claimed 2 wickets for Australia, while Kim Garth and Sophie Molineux picked up one each. This match holds special significance for Australian stalwart Ellyse Perry, who became the first Aussie woman to play her 350th international game. Alyssa Healy follows with 295 matches.
With the three-match series locked at 1-1, the winner here clinches the trophy. India, recalling their 2-1 triumph in Australia during 2015-16, will fancy their chances defending 177 on a batting-friendly pitch.