Australia Women responded strongly to the challenge laid down by India Women, producing a composed all-round performance to clinch the second T20I by 19 runs and level the three-match series 1-1 at home. After conceding the opening game, the hosts tightened execution with both bat and ball to wrest back momentum in the contest.
Put into bat, Australia Women laid a solid foundation through their openers. Georgia Voll and Beth Mooney stitched together a commanding 128-run partnership, controlling the powerplay and middle overs with smart placement and rotation of strike. Their stand formed the backbone of Australia’s innings as they finished on 163 for 5.
Once the opening pair was separated, India managed to claw back some control. Phoebe Litchfield was dismissed for 6, while experienced campaigners Ellyse Perry (7) and Ashleigh Gardner (10*) were kept quiet towards the end. For India Women, Arundhati Reddy was the pick of the bowlers with two wickets, while pacer Renuka Singh Thakur added one to her tally, helping restrict Australia from pushing beyond reach.
In reply, India began with intent as Shafali Verma and Smriti Mandhana put together a brisk 57-run opening stand. Shafali scored 29 while Mandhana contributed 31, giving the visitors early hope in the chase.
The responsibility then shifted to captain Harmanpreet Kaur, who top-scored with a fighting 36, showing composure under pressure. Richa Ghosh provided a late burst with 19 runs, and youngster Kranti Gaud added spark with a rapid 12* off just five balls at a strike rate of 240. However, regular wickets at the other end stalled India’s momentum, and the chase fizzled out at 144.
Australia’s bowlers shared the spoils in a disciplined display. Ashleigh Gardner led the attack with three wickets, while skipper Sophie Molineux, Annabel Sutherland and Kim Garth chipped in with two wickets each, applying sustained pressure through the middle overs.
The victory not only squared the series but also highlighted Australia’s depth and adaptability after their opening-game defeat. With confidence restored, the hosts will look to build on this performance, while India will aim to regroup quickly and rediscover the edge that saw them take the lead in the series opener.
