India secured a landmark 17-run victory over Australia at the Adelaide Oval on Saturday, clinching the T20I series 2-1 and handing the hosts their first home series defeat in any format since 2017. A record-shattering batting display anchored by Smriti Mandhana and Jemimah Rodrigues provided the platform for a clinical bowling defense led by Shreyanka Patil.
India plundered the highest women’s T20I total ever recorded at the Adelaide Oval. Australia’s chase faltered early under a relentless Indian powerplay, and despite a valiant half-century from Ashleigh Gardner, the world champions could not bridge the gap.
India’s innings was a masterclass in calculated aggression. Smriti Mandhana headlined the effort with a blistering 82 off 55 balls, including three massive sixes. She found an ideal partner in Jemimah Rodrigues, whose 59 off 46 ensured the momentum never stalled during their 100-run partnership.
The tail-end of the innings saw Richa Ghosh provide the final flourish, striking a quick-fire 18 off 7 to push India to a daunting total. While Australia's Annabel Sutherland managed to pick up two late wickets, the damage was already done as every Australian bowler conceded more than eight runs per over.
Series result: India wins 2-1.
Adelaide Oval record: India’s total is the highest ever in a women's T20I at the venue.
Australia's first series loss at home in any format in nine years.
Key Stats:
Smriti Mandhana: 82 (55)
Jemimah Rodrigues: 59 (46)
Shreyanka Patil: 3/22 (4.0)
Shreyanka Patil, returning to the side after being rested, struck twice in the powerplay to remove Georgia Voll and the dangerous Ellyse Perry. Perry, playing her 350th international match, was cleaned up by a delivery that gripped and turned, leaving the Australian middle order exposed.
Shree Charani complemented the attack, picking up 3/32, including the unusual "hit wicket" dismissal of Grace Harris. While Australia bat deep, the required run rate climbed toward 12 by the 14th over, forcing the hosts into high-risk strokes that resulted in a steady procession of wickets.
Ashleigh Gardner kept Australian hopes alive with a gritty 57 off 45 balls, but she found little support from the other end. When she eventually holed out to Rodrigues in the 16th over, the contest was effectively over. India’s fielding, despite a few late drops, remained sharp enough to squeeze the Australian tail.
