Smriti Mandhana takes centerstage in Adelaide, and finds substantial supporting acts, as India beat Australia in T20I leg

India Seals T20I Series with Dominant Display in Adelaide

In a thrilling finale to the T20I leg of the multi-format series, India outclassed Australia by 17 runs at the Adelaide Oval, securing a 2-1 series win. Smriti Mandhana stole the show with a masterful 82 off 55 balls, anchoring the innings after an early setback. Her partnership with Jemimah Rodrigues, who smashed 59 off 46, propelled India to 176 for 6 – the highest total in women's T20Is at this iconic venue. This performance not only silenced the home crowd but also handed Australia their first T20I series defeat on home soil since November 2017, a rare blemish for the powerhouse side.

Captain Harmanpreet Kaur called right at the toss for the third straight time, opting to bat first on a pitch that promised runs. Shafali Verma fell cheaply for 7, caught off Kim Garth's bowling, but that brought Rodrigues to the crease with fire in her eyes. She raced past 2500 T20I career runs, joining an elite club with Mandhana and Kaur. The duo forged a 121-run second-wicket stand, India's highest in the format, putting relentless pressure on the Australian bowlers. Mandhana, adapting to her former WBBL home ground, found her groove with boundaries, while Rodrigues picked gaps effortlessly.

Bowling Attack Shines as Australia Falters in Chase

Defending 177, India's bowlers rose to the occasion, led by debutant sensations Shreyanka Patil and Sree Charani. Patil claimed 3 for 22, including key scalps of Georgia Voll and Ellyse Perry, rattling Australia early to 32 for 3. Charani matched her with 3 for 32, her variations proving too much in the middle overs. Ashleigh Gardner offered resistance with a gritty 57 off 45 balls, but a stunning catch by Rodrigues at deep midwicket ended her stay. A collapse of 4 for 15 followed, despite a late unbroken 16-run stand from Darcie Brown and Kim Garth. Australia finished at 159 for 9, their chase derailed by sharp fielding and disciplined lines.

"Smriti Mandhana's 82 was a masterclass, and the way our bowlers stepped up, especially Patil and Charani, shows the depth in this team. This win gives us massive momentum heading into the ODIs," said Harmanpreet Kaur post-match.

Historic Win Boosts India Ahead of ODI Leg

This victory gives India a 4-2 lead in the points-based multi-format series, setting them up nicely for the ODIs starting in Brisbane. For Australia, under Sophie Molineux, it's a wake-up call just months before the T20 World Cup. Ellyse Perry's milestone 350th game turned sour as India celebrated a landmark series triumph Down Under. Mandhana's form continues to soar, with another big score in Australia, while Rodrigues' aggression and the young bowlers' poise signal a maturing side. The match highlighted India's all-round firepower, from batting depth to spin wizardry, overshadowing Australia's fightback attempts.

Brown's opening over woes, with four wides, set a sloppy tone for Australia, compounded by dropped catches like Gardner's on 26. Grace Harris' bizarre dismissal – stepping on her stumps after pulling a boundary – summed up their frustrations. India's fielding, sharp and athletic, turned pressure moments decisively. As the series shifts to 50-over cricket, both teams will reflect: India on sustaining momentum, Australia on rebuilding confidence. This Adelaide showdown will be remembered for Mandhana's elegance and the supporting cast's heroics.

In summary, Smriti Mandhana's brilliance, backed by Rodrigues' fireworks and a stellar bowling effort from Patil and Charani, delivered India a historic T20I series win over Australia, clinching the leg 2-1 and extending their series lead to 4-2.