India delivered a composed and clinical performance to register a 17-run win over Australia in the third T20I at the Adelaide Oval, strengthening their position in the ongoing multi-format series. Powered by a magnificent 121-run partnership between Smriti Mandhana and Jemimah Rodrigues, India posted an imposing 176/6 before a disciplined bowling effort restricted Australia to 159/9. The victory reflected India’s growing confidence and balance across departments.
A Confident Start with the Bat
After winning the toss and choosing to bat first, India were handed early momentum through wayward bowling from Darcie Brown, whose opening over included five wides and a boundary. Though the visitors capitalized initially, Australia tightened their lines soon after. Controlled spells from Ashleigh Gardner and Kim Garth slowed the scoring rate, and the dismissal of Shafali Verma offered the hosts an early breakthrough.
What followed, however, was a partnership that defined the match. Mandhana and Rodrigues blended technical precision with calculated aggression. They rotated strike smartly, punished loose deliveries, and kept the scoreboard ticking without taking unnecessary risks. By the end of the PowerPlay, India had advanced to 54/1, thanks to a flurry of boundaries in the sixth over that shifted momentum decisively.
Mandhana, elegant yet assertive, anchored the innings beautifully. She brought up her half-century in style with a towering six over mid-wicket in the 12th over. Her knock of 82 came off controlled stroke play—cover drives pierced gaps effortlessly, while lofted shots cleared the infield with confidence. Rodrigues complemented her seamlessly, playing the role of aggressor when needed and ensuring the pressure remained on Australia’s bowlers.
Their 121-run stand not only stabilized India after an early wicket but also ensured the foundation for a formidable total. Although Annabel Sutherland eventually dismissed Mandhana in the 17th over, the damage had already been inflicted. Rodrigues, who survived a dropped chance earlier in her innings, raised her half-century in the 18th over, underlining her composure under pressure.
A late flourish from Richa Ghosh, who struck a brisk 18 off seven deliveries, propelled India further in the death overs. Even though Australia contained the final over effectively—conceding just three runs while picking up three wickets—India’s total of 176/6 appeared competitive on a surface that was slightly sluggish earlier in the evening.
Australia’s Chase: Promise and Pressure
Australia’s pursuit began with intent. An expensive opening over from Renuka Singh Thakur yielded 18 runs and briefly shifted the pressure back onto India. The hosts looked aggressive, determined to seize early control of the chase.
Yet India responded swiftly. Shreyanka Patil, drafted into the playing XI in place of Kranti Gaud, made an immediate impression by dismissing Georgia Voll. Renuka recovered to remove Beth Mooney, while Ellyse Perry endured a disappointing outing in her landmark 350th international match, bowled by Shreyanka.
From 18 without loss, Australia suddenly found themselves reeling at 32/3. The early breakthroughs disrupted their rhythm and forced a rebuild. Phoebe Litchfield and Gardner attempted to steady the innings with a cautious partnership. They added 31 runs, but Litchfield’s dismissal while attempting an ambitious switch-hit halted their recovery.
Gardner’s Fight and India’s Control
Gardner emerged as Australia’s principal threat. She counterattacked with authority, bringing up her half-century in the 16th over. A brief drizzle and a quicker outfield appeared to assist batting, raising hopes of a late surge. India even missed a crucial opportunity when Amanjot Kaur dropped Gardner off her own bowling—a moment that could have shifted the contest dramatically.
However, India held their nerve. In a defining moment, Rodrigues produced a stunning diving catch at deep mid-wicket to dismiss Gardner, extinguishing Australia’s strongest hope. That breakthrough swung momentum firmly back to the visitors.
The collapse that followed was swift. Grace Harris stepped on her stumps in a rare moment of misfortune, and Sophie Molineux was trapped LBW shortly after. Shreyanka completed an impressive spell with a third wicket, while Sree Charani also claimed three scalps to seal Australia’s fate. The disciplined bowling performance, supported by sharp fielding, ensured the target remained out of reach.
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A Complete Team Effort
India’s 17-run win was built on clarity of roles and execution under pressure. Mandhana’s authoritative 82 provided the backbone, Rodrigues contributed both with bat and in the field, and Shreyanka’s breakthroughs at crucial intervals dismantled Australia’s top order. The bowling unit, despite an expensive start, adapted quickly and maintained control during the middle and death overs.
As the multi-format series transitions to the ODI leg at The Gabba, India carry significant momentum. Their ability to construct partnerships, capitalize on key moments, and close out tight contests reflects a maturing side capable of challenging Australia consistently.
For Australia, Gardner’s resilience was a highlight, but the early loss of wickets proved too steep a hurdle. The contest in Adelaide once again demonstrated the fine margins of T20 cricket—where partnerships, fielding brilliance, and timely wickets can decisively shape outcomes.
Brief Scores: India 176/6 in 20 overs (Smriti Mandhana 82, Jemimah Rodrigues 59; Annabel Sutherland 2-34) beat Australia 159/9 in 20 overs (Ashleigh Gardner 57; Shreyanka Patil 3-22, Sree Charani 3-32) by 17 runs.