New Delhi, February 21 – The Secretary of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), Devajit Saikia, has congratulated the Indian Senior Women's Team for defeating Australia in a three-match T20I series in Australia. India won the third T20I in Adelaide on Saturday, securing the series 2-1.
In a dramatic match at the Adelaide Oval, India secured a hard-fought 17-run victory over Australia in a high-pressure encounter. Chasing a challenging target of 159, Australia’s lower-order fought valiantly but ultimately fell short, with India’s bowlers maintaining their composure until the final overs to clinch the win.
India's innings was built on solid contributions from Smriti Mandhana and Jemimah Rodrigues, but it was Shreyanka Patil with the ball who ensured the team cruised to victory against the hosts.
In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Saikia praised the team for its clinical performance and urged the players to continue their good work in the upcoming ODI series in Australia.
"Congratulations to the Indian Women's Team for a commanding 2-1 victory in the T20I series against formidable Australia. India demonstrated a clinical approach and have made a perfect start to the multi-format series in Australia. Now, onto the ODIs. Keep up the good work!" wrote Saikia in his post.
India had won the first T20I but lost the second one in Canberra.
On Saturday, India started relatively steadily, with Shafali Verma (7 off 6) and Mandhana (82 off 55) setting the innings up with a quick start. However, Verma fell quickly, with Australian bowlers showing resistance.
Mandhana and Rodrigues (59 off 46) then steadied the ship with a 121-run partnership, putting India in a commanding position. While the vice-captain fell just 18 runs short of a well-deserved century, Rodrigues and Richa Ghosh ensured that the batting unit didn't crumble.
Australia's chase got off to a shaky start as Beth Mooney (6) fell early, with Renuka Thakur dismissing her in the second over. Another crucial breakthrough came in the third over when Shreyanka Patil dismissed Georgia Voll, with a stunning catch by Renuka Singh.
Phoebe Litchfield (26) and Ashleigh Gardner (57) then combined in a strong partnership to put up a fight. Gardner’s knock was the highlight of Australia's chase, as she hit five boundaries and a six, keeping the required run rate in check.
However, wickets continued to fall at regular intervals, with Shreyanka Patil and Shree Charani taking crucial wickets, including the crucial one of captain Sophie Molineux (6), who was dismissed lbw.
