India Women capped off a gripping T20I series with a spirited 17-run victory over Australia Women in the third and final match at Adelaide Oval. After electing to bat first, the visitors posted a competitive 176/6 and then delivered a disciplined bowling performance to restrict the hosts to 159/9. With this result, India clinched the three-match T20I series 2-1 in what turned out to be a fiercely contested contest between two top sides.
Smriti Mandhana leads from the front with a classy 82
India’s innings was built around a magnificent knock from Smriti Mandhana, who once again proved why she remains the backbone of the batting unit. The elegant left-hander scored 82 off 55 balls, lacing her innings with eight boundaries and three towering sixes. She controlled the tempo brilliantly after Shafali Verma departed early for 7, ensuring India didn’t lose momentum in the powerplay.
Jemimah Rodrigues provided solid support with a fluent 59 off 46 deliveries, rotating the strike efficiently and finding the gaps regularly. The duo stitched together a crucial partnership that steadied the innings and set the platform for a strong finish. A late cameo from Richa Ghosh, who smashed 18 off just 7 balls including a six, propelled India to 176/6 at the end of 20 overs.
For Australia, Annabel Sutherland was the pick of the bowlers with figures of 2/34, while Kim Garth and Sophie Molineux chipped in with a wicket each. However, the hosts struggled to contain Mandhana during the middle overs, which ultimately proved costly.
Indian bowlers hold nerve despite Ashleigh Gardner’s resistance
Chasing 177, Australia Women began aggressively but lost early wickets at crucial intervals. Georgia Voll struck a quick 10, but Beth Mooney and Ellyse Perry fell cheaply, putting pressure on the middle order. Phoebe Litchfield tried to counterattack with 26 off 17 balls, but India’s bowlers maintained tight lines.
Ashleigh Gardner fought valiantly, anchoring the chase with a determined 57 off 45 deliveries, including five fours and a six. She attempted to rebuild the innings and kept Australia in the hunt deep into the final overs. However, lack of substantial partnerships around her hurt the home side.
Shreyanka Patil delivered a match-turning spell, picking up 3/22 in her four overs. Shree Charani also impressed with 3/32, striking at vital moments to derail Australia’s chase. Arundhati Reddy supported well with two wickets, while Renuka Thakur chipped in with one. India’s collective bowling effort ensured Australia were restricted to 159/9, falling short by 17 runs.
Here’s how fans reacted
India take the T20I series and take the lead 4-2 in the multi-format series #AUSvIND 🍿 pic.twitter.com/5efB1cnan7
— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) February 21, 2026
Authoritative and match-winning 🫡#TeamIndia Vice-captain Smriti Mandhana is the Player of the Match in the 3️⃣rd T20I for her glorious 8⃣2⃣(55) 👏
Scorecard ▶️ https://t.co/8PDW83zavH#AUSvIND | @mandhana_smriti pic.twitter.com/XvPqQYL8Gg
— BCCI Women (@BCCIWomen) February 21, 2026
🚨 SMRITI MANDHANA WON THE PLAYER OF THE MATCH AWARD Vs AUSTRALIA IN DECIDER 🚨
– The Queen of World Cricket.💥❣️#INDvAUS pic.twitter.com/8Ot72T3Hc3
— Sunil Chahar (@SunilChahar22) February 21, 2026
The last time Australia Women’s team lost a T20I series in 2017 Ashes vs England.
The last time Australia Women’s team lost a home T20I series in 2016 vs India.Both of the reigns are broken today.@BCCIWomen defeated Australia 2-1 to clinch a historic series victory.#INDvAUS
— Sports Geeez (@Sportsgeeez) February 21, 2026
Almost after 10 years Ind winning bilateral T20 series against Aus in Aus is something special. So much needed it for my mental health!!!#INDvAUS
— Sakshi Yendhe (@yendhe_sakshi) February 21, 2026
India clinch the T20I series 2-1 with a commanding all-round display. Complete team effort, clinical execution, and a statement win on the road 🔥👏#AUSvIND
Scorecard 👉 https://t.co/7zut6nidLG pic.twitter.com/Eh1cPir19H— WomenCricket.com (@WomenCricketHQ) February 21, 2026
Can never get tired of this. pic.twitter.com/AHJC71YR9L
— Vinayakk (@vinayakkm) February 21, 2026
India Women’s beat Australia Women’s by 1️⃣7️⃣ Runs & Win the Series by 2️⃣-1️⃣
Player of the Match – Smriti Mandhana8️⃣2️⃣ Runs
.#INDvAUS #INDWvsAUSW #T20I pic.twitter.com/VNa8r2lKoX— Durlabh (@DurlabhDJ) February 21, 2026
A team that can beat Australia away from home months before a T20 World Cup must be considered a favourite for the event. This is a massive win for @BCCIWomen and a major confidence booster. As is often the case, spin does the trick at the business end in women’s T20 #INDvAUS https://t.co/m8cA59jgx7
— Prabhanjan Badami (@PABadami) February 21, 2026
Very well done bowling by shreyanka patil 🔥👏
Crusal over 18 over only give 7 runs and take 1 wicket 👏 #ShreyankaPatil #INDvAUS
AND SHE TAKE 3 WICKETS ✨️ pic.twitter.com/qRMipfRpUt
— Rcb fc ✨️ (@RCBFP24) February 21, 2026
Another great win …which shows the shift in confidence of Indian team in not just competing but winning. #ausvInd #IndvAus https://t.co/vhyIgyBkJ5
— movieman (@movieman777) February 21, 2026
India women team won the bilateral T20I series against Australia for the 2nd time. Both times, it came on Australian shores (2016 & 2026).#INDvAUS pic.twitter.com/IIpv8QGqek
— NightWatchMad (@NightWatchMad) February 21, 2026
This article was first published at WomenCricket.com, a Cricket Times company.
