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India Women Beat Australia by 21 Runs in Rain-Affected 1st T20 Thriller

India Women secured a 21-run victory via the DLS method in a rain-curtailed first T20 against Australia in Sydney. Seamer Arundhati Reddy was the star with the ball, taking 4 for 22 to help bowl Australia out for 133. In reply, a blazing start from Shafali Verma (21 off 11) and Smriti Mandhana put India well ahead of the required DLS par score before rain ended the match. The win gives India a 1-0 lead in the multi-format series ahead of the next match in Canberra.

Key Points: India Women Win Rain-Hit 1st T20 vs Australia by 21 Runs (DLS)

  • Arundhati Reddy's 4/22 rips through Australia
  • Shafali Verma's explosive 21 off 11 sets the tone
  • India chase races to 50/1 in 5.1 overs before rain
  • Victory gives India 1-0 lead in multi-format series
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1st T20: India edge past Australia by 21 runs in rain-hit encounter

India Women take 1-0 series lead after Arundhati Reddy's 4-wicket haul and a fiery start by Shafali Verma & Smriti Mandhana secure a DLS win over Australia.

"India pulled off a 21-run DLS win over Australia in a rain-hit encounter - Match Report"

Sydney, February 15

India pulled off a 21-run DLS win over Australia in a rain-hit encounter in Sydney after bundling the hosts for 133 and then racing to 50/1 in just 5.1 overs before the rain came on Sunday.

India's star seamer Arundhati Reddy's four-wicket burst (4/22) ripped through Australia's middle order, while Renuka Singh and Deepti Sharma chipped in with key wickets.

Shafali Verma's quick 21 off 11 and Smriti Mandhana's steady 16* set the chase on fire, leaving India well ahead of the DLS par score of 29 when play was called off. The victory gives India a 1-0 lead in the multi-format series and a solid early momentum boost.

After being put in to bat, Australia never quite found their rhythm and were dismissed for 133 in 20 overs. Phoebe Litchfield and Georgia Wareham got decent starts but couldn't convert them into big scores, while the rest all Aussies batters failed to score. Wareham top-scored with a brisk 30 off 19.

In reply, India made a flying start as Verma and Mandhana played with freedom and intent, making full use of the power-play.

Once the duo settled in, they began to take the attack to the bowlers. Sophie Molineux broke the opening stand by removing Varma for a quick 21 off 11, but by then the damage had already been done.

Jemimah Rodrigues then kept the momentum going with a couple of boundaries, ensuring India stayed well ahead of the DLS par score before the rain arrived and eventually ended the contest.

India will now lock horns with Australia in the series decider in Canberra on Thursday at the Manuka Oval.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

S
Sarah B
As an Aussie fan, have to admit India outplayed us completely. Our batting was a bit of a mess. But credit where it's due, the Indian bowlers were spot on. Good start to the series, hope we bounce back in Canberra.
P
Priya S
Shafali's start was electric! 21 off 11... she just took the pressure right off. Even with the rain, we were so far ahead. Great team effort. Let's keep this momentum for the next match! 💪
R
Rohit P
Solid win, but a small point - we got a bit lucky with the rain, no? What if Australia had bowled a few tight overs after the powerplay? Still, a win is a win. Well done girls!
M
Michael C
The Indian women's team is seriously impressive. The aggression from the openers and the discipline in bowling... they're a complete package. Looking forward to the rest of the series.
K
Kavya N
Deepti Sharma is so underrated! She does the quiet, effective work every time. And Smriti was so calm at the other end. This 1-0 lead is massive for confidence. On to Canberra! 🏏

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