India Make Steady Start After Winning Toss in Series-Deciding T20 at Adelaide

The third and deciding women’s Twenty20 international between Australia women's cricket team and India women's cricket team is finely poised after an eventful opening passage at Adelaide Oval, with the tourists opting to bat first in a contest that will determine the outcome of the T20 leg of this multi-format series.

With the series locked at 1-1, both sides entered the match aware of its significance. India secured victory in the rain-affected opener, capitalising on shortened conditions to put Australia under pressure before claiming the result via the Duckworth-Lewis-Stern method. Australia responded emphatically in Canberra, where a commanding 88 from Georgia Voll and disciplined bowling, particularly from Annabel Sutherland, levelled the series with a 19-run win.

At the toss in Adelaide, India captain Harmanpreet Kaur elected to bat, expressing confidence in what appeared to be a firm, true surface. Her opposite number, Sophie Molineux, indicated that Australia had been prepared to bowl first regardless, suggesting the hosts were content to chase under lights.

India’s innings began in frenetic fashion. Australia handed the new ball to Darcie Brown, but the right-arm quick struggled initially with her rhythm. A sequence of wides allowed India to advance without significant risk, and it took 10 deliveries for the opening over to be completed. Amid the erratic start, Smriti Mandhana struck the first boundary of the innings with a crisp drive, signalling positive intent.

From the opposite end, Ash Gardner provided greater control. Although Shafali Verma looked to assert herself by advancing down the pitch, Australia’s fielding restricted the damage, and Gardner conceded just four runs in her opening over.

The breakthrough came shortly thereafter. Introduced into the attack, Kim Garth tempted Shafali into an aggressive stroke that resulted in a miscued effort ballooning into the air. Annabel Sutherland held her nerve under pressure to complete the catch, despite nearby traffic in the outfield, reducing India to 19 for one.

Garth’s intervention steadied Australia after the uneven beginning, and the dismissal brought Jemimah Rodrigues to the crease. Rodrigues quickly rotated the strike, working the ball into gaps to maintain momentum alongside Mandhana.

The fourth over encapsulated the tension of the contest. Molineux opted for the Decision Review System following a loud appeal against Mandhana, waiting until the final moment before signalling for a review. Replays confirmed that the Indian opener had edged the ball rather than striking it on the pad, costing Australia a review. Moments later, a half-chance in the field went down when Ellyse Perry was unable to cling on to a difficult opportunity. Mandhana capitalised before the over concluded, finding the boundary to push India to 31 for one after four overs.

The match carries additional emotional weight for Australia, with Perry marking her 350th international appearance across formats — a landmark that underlines her longevity and influence within the side. The team will be eager to celebrate the occasion with a series-clinching performance.

Both teams made measured adjustments to their line-ups. India recalled Shreyanka Patil, while Australia introduced Grace Harris, potentially strengthening their lower-order hitting options and off-spin variety. The tactical balance between bat and ball remains central on a surface that appears conducive to stroke play but has already offered opportunities for disciplined bowling.

With India rebuilding after the early loss and Australia seeking further inroads, the stage is set for a compelling conclusion. In a series defined by momentum shifts and standout individual performances, the Adelaide decider promises another chapter of high-quality, fiercely contested cricket.