India defeated Australia 2-1 in the women’s T20I series, handing the hosts their first home bilateral series loss in nine years. The decider in Adelaide saw Smriti Mandhana and Jemimah Rodrigues shine, both scoring half-centuries and sharing a record 121-run second-wicket partnership for India in the T20 format.
India posted 176-6, putting pressure on Australia, who stumbled to 32-3 early in their chase as off-spinner Shreyanka Patil dismissed Georgia Voll and Ellyse Perry. Ash Gardner fought back with a resilient 57 off 45 balls, but Australia fell short, with Patil finishing 3-22 and left-arm spinner Shree Charani supporting with 3-28.
Earlier, India had secured the rain-affected first T20I by 21 runs (DLS method), while Australia won the second match by 19 runs, setting up a thrilling series finale.
Looking ahead, the two sides will contest a three-match ODI series starting Tuesday in Brisbane, followed by a one-off Test in Perth from 6 March.
