Manuka Oval witnessed high drama as Australia Women defeated India Women by 19 runs in the second T20 International, drawing the series level at 1-1. India had edged the first match by 21 runs under DLS in Sydney, but Australia hit back fiercely. The rubber match awaits in Adelaide on Sunday.
Batting first after losing the toss, Australia openers Georgia Voll and Beth Mooney laid the foundation with a fiery 128-run partnership in 14.5 overs. Mooney’s 46 (39 balls) included crisp boundaries, setting an aggressive tone. Voll then took charge, blistering 88 off 57 balls with 11 fours and a six, helping Australia reach 163/5. Only Ashley Gardner (10*) joined the scorers meaningfully. India’s bowlers struck back with Arundhati Reddy grabbing 2 poles.
In pursuit, India’s top order fired briefly: Shafali Verma hammered 29 (23 balls, 5×4) and Mandhana 31 (24), for 57 in 6.4 overs. But at 71/3, the innings stuttered.
Harmanpreet Kaur’s determined 36 fueled a crucial 55-run alliance with Richa Ghosh, but losing the fourth wicket at 126/4 in 16.5 overs triggered a meltdown. Nine down at 133, India managed 144/9, falling short.
Australia’s spin attack shone: Gardner’s 3/xx, plus twin strikes from Garth, Sutherland, and Molineux dismantled India. This victory underscores Australia’s depth, promising an epic series climax.