History was scripted in Sydney as rain played savior for the Indian women’s team, securing a memorable 21-run DLS triumph over Australia in the T20 series opener. Bowling first, India orchestrated a bowling masterclass to restrict the hosts to 133 in 18 overs.
Australia’s batting imploded from the outset, slumping to 27/2. Litchfield-Perry’s 41-run partnership was a flicker of hope, extinguished when Perry holed out for 20 at 68/3. What followed was a procession: the tail folded cheaply, losing five wickets for 12 runs. Wareham’s gritty 30 stood alone.
Star of the show was Arundhati Reddy, whose 4-22 ripped through Australia’s core – her finest T20 haul. Thakur (2/??), Charani (2/??), Gaud, and Sharma ensured no respite, varying pace and bounce to devastating effect.
India’s chase was electric. Mandhana and Verma plundered 33 in 4.1 overs; Verma’s explosive 21 off 11 ended abruptly. At 50/1 after 5.1 overs, downpour intervened. After prolonged delays, DLS math favored India by 21 runs, with Mandhana unbeaten on 16 (17 balls) and Rodrigues on 9 (3).
Reddy walked away with Player of the Match plaudits. This gritty win, aided by weather gods, sets the tone for a fiercely contested series, highlighting India’s evolution into a T20 powerhouse.