Australia Women’s cricket team secured a comprehensive seven-wicket victory over India in the final Australia, clinching the series 2-1. The match, held in Navi Mumbai, saw Alyssa Healy’s stellar performance leading her team to triumph.
Choosing to field after winning the toss, Healy’s decision proved fruitful as Australia’s bowlers restricted India to a modest total of 147 for six. Healy then showcased her batting prowess, scoring a quickfire 55 off 38 balls, adorned with nine fours and a six, steering Australia towards a series win. This defeat marked India’s fourth consecutive T20I series loss at home since September 2019, falling to South Africa, Australia, and England in the interim.
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During the chase of 148, Australia sprinted to 85 for one at the halfway stage, courtesy of Healy’s aggressive batting and Beth Mooney’s composed unbeaten 52 off 45 balls. Despite a promising start in the first game, the Indian team failed to deliver a collective performance, disappointing the nearly-packed DY Patil Stadium audience.
Though Pooja Vastrakar’s back-to-back dismissals of Tahlia McGrath and Ellyse Perry in the 16th over created some excitement, Beth Mooney, along with Phoebe Litchfield (17 not out), ensured Australia reached the target.
Healy’s dominant innings began by aggressively attacking Titas Sadhu, setting the tone for the chase by hitting three fours in the fourth over. She continued her assault on Renuka Singh Thakur in the following over, scoring 15 runs, including a six and two fours. Despite a potential catch claimed by India’s Jemimah Rodrigues off Vastrakar, replays suggested the ball had touched the ground, leading to a contentious decision in Healy’s favor.
India’s innings had started promisingly with Shafali Verma (26) and Smriti Mandhana (29) providing a solid foundation, but the team faltered losing wickets in clusters. Richa Ghosh’s quickfire 34 off 28 balls, comprising three sixes and two fours, rejuvenated India’s innings. However, crucial contributions from Deepti Sharma, Amanjot Kaur, and Vastrakar helped India post a competitive total.
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Despite the initial impetus provided by Verma and Mandhana, Australia’s Annabel Sutherland and Georgia Wareham struck crucial blows, dismissing key Indian batters. Harmanpreet Kaur’s early dismissal added to India’s woes, leaving them reeling at 66 for four. Ghosh and Deepti’s partnership briefly revived India’s innings, but Australia’s bowlers maintained control, limiting India to a manageable total.
Australia’s dominant performance, led by Healy’s all-around brilliance, sealed their series victory against India, showcasing their prowess in the final T20I encounter.
