Women’s T20 Tri-Series: Australia win the first T20 against India by 6 wickets

Australian Women’s Team maintained their dominance over India as they win by six wickets in the opening game of the T20 tri-series in Mumbai on Thursday. 

The Australian Women’s team which is nicknamed 'Southern Stars', maintained their unbeaten record as they outplayed the hosts in the ODI series 3-0.

The format may have changed from 50 overs to 20, but the middle order hasn’t found its stability leading to frequent collapses. Amidst all the blunder, opener Smriti Mandhana once again outshone with her classy innings of 67 off 41 deliveries which helped India to put up a decent 152 in 20 overs.

In response, Australia equalled their record of the highest chase in T20, within 18.1 overs despite fiery bowling by Jhulan Goswami who scalped three wickets in her spell. Unfortunately, the veteran bowler had no support from the other end which helped Australian women to rotate the strike.

Chasing 153, Australia women were in distress as they had lost two initial wickets at the score of 29 as Goswami got ‘keeper-opener Alyssa Healy and Ashleigh Gardner in her first spell of two overs. But the other opener, Beth Mooney remained undaunted and hammered spin and pace alike, hitting 45 off 32 balls. With Villani, Mooney adding 79 runs for the third wicket.

Although Goswami removed the dangerous Mooney in her second spell, the damage had been done as Aussies were cruising at 108 in the 13th over. In the next over leggie, Poonam Yadav got Villani out creating the chance for India. But skipper Meg Lanning (35 not out in 25 balls) and Rachael Haynes (12 not out) made sure to carry Australia to the end and finished the match with 11 balls to spare.

Earlier, Mandhana and Mithali Raj had added 72 runs in 9.3 overs but Indian women failed to exploit the sturdy start. However, a cameo from Anuja Patil (35 off 21 balls) helped India cross the 150 mark. Mandhana scored her career-best score (67 off 41 balls) in the T20s as she struck the ball all-around the ground.

Australia will now face England in the second game of the series on Friday.