ADELAIDE – The India Women’s cricket team etched a historic milestone on Saturday, February 21, 2026, defeating Australia Women by 17 runs in the third T20I at the Adelaide Oval. With this victory, the “Women in Blue” secured the three-match series 2-1, marking a rare and prestigious series win on Australian soil.
The victory was built on a dominant batting performance led by Smriti Mandhana and a clinical bowling display by the young spin duo of Shree Charani and Shreyanka Patil.
India’s Dominance with the Bat
After winning the toss and electing to bat, India posted a formidable total of 176/6.
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Mandhana’s Masterclass: Smriti Mandhana was the architect of the innings, scoring a brilliant 82 off 55 balls. Her knock, which earned her the Player of the Match award, featured eight boundaries and three sixes.
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Rodrigues’ Support: Jemimah Rodrigues played a steadying hand, scoring 59 off 45 balls. The duo put on a massive partnership that took India to 127/1 by the 15th over.
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Quick Cameo: Richa Ghosh added a vital late flourish with a quickfire 18 off just 7 deliveries, ensuring India set a target well above par.
Australia’s Batting Collapse
Despite a blistering start from openers Georgia Voll and Beth Mooney, who took 18 runs off the first over, the Australian chase faltered early under pressure.
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Early Wickets: Shreyanka Patil struck twice in the powerplay, dismissing Voll and the legendary Ellyse Perry—who was playing her landmark 350th international match.
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Bowling Stars: Shree Charani and Shreyanka Patil both claimed 3-wicket hauls, consistently breaking the host’s momentum.
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Gardner’s Lone Fight: Ashleigh Gardner kept Australian hopes alive with a valiant 57 off 45 balls, but her dismissal in the 16th over by Arundhati Reddy effectively ended the contest.
Series Significance
This series win is a testament to India’s growing bench strength and tactical discipline. Winning in Adelaide against a full-strength Australian side—widely considered the gold standard in women’s cricket—positions India as a top contender for the upcoming global tournaments later this year.
