India Women started their T20 series against Australia Women with a stunning nine-wicket win at the DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai on Friday. The hosts chased down the target of 142 with 14 balls to spare, thanks to a brilliant opening partnership between Smriti Mandhana and Shafali Verma.
Mandhana scored 54 off 36 balls, while Verma remained unbeaten on 64 off 43 balls. The duo added 115 runs for the first wicket in 13.1 overs, setting the platform for an easy chase. Mandhana hit eight fours and a six, while Verma smashed 10 fours and two sixes.
Australia Women, who opted to bat first, were restricted to 141 for 10 in 19.2 overs. Titas Sadhu, the debutant leg-spinner, was the star of the show for India Women, taking four wickets for 17 runs in four overs. She was named the Player of the Match for her splendid performance.
Sadhu dismissed Alyssa Healy, Ashleigh Gardner, Grace Harris and Jess Jonassen, all of whom are key players for Australia Women. She was well supported by the other bowlers, especially Deepti Sharma, who took two wickets for 24 runs in four overs.
Beth Mooney was the top-scorer for Australia Women with 54 off 37 balls, hitting seven fours and a six. She added 52 runs for the first wicket with Healy, who made 25 off 26 balls. However, after their dismissal, Australia Women lost wickets at regular intervals and could not post a competitive total.
