Australia Women's captain Alyssa Healy delivered a standout performance, guiding her team to a commanding seven-wicket victory against India in the third T20I, clinching the series 2-1 in Navi Mumbai.
Opting to field, Healy's decision was substantiated by Australia's bowlers, restricting India to 147 for six. Healy, showcasing her batting prowess, later scored a brisk 55 off 38 balls, adorned with nine boundaries and a six, steering Australia towards victory. This marked India's fourth consecutive T20I series loss at home since September 2019, succumbing to South Africa, Australia, and England within this period.
Chasing 148, Australia demonstrated dominance, reaching 85 for one at the halfway stage, courtesy Healy's aggressive batting and Beth Mooney's unbeaten 52 (45 balls, 5x4s).
Despite Pooja Vastrakar dismissing Tahlia McGrath (20) and Ellyse Perry successively in the 16th over, Australia's resilient partnership between Mooney and Phoebe Litchfield (17 not out) secured the win.
Healy's assault on the Indian bowlers set the momentum for Australia's chase, initiating with powerful strokes against Titas Sadhu and continuing the onslaught against Renuka Singh Thakur.
Notably, a disputed catch claimed by Jemimah Rodrigues off Healy's shot sparked controversy, eventually ruled in favor of Healy due to inconclusive evidence despite TV replays.
India, after a strong start by Shafali Verma (26) and Smriti Mandhana (29), faltered, losing wickets in clusters. Richa Ghosh's quickfire 34 salvaged India's innings, along with contributions from Deepti Sharma, Amanjot Kaur, and Pooja Vastrakar.
Despite Ghosh's spirited knock and a late flourish, Australia's disciplined performance in both bowling and batting ensured their series victory. The match witnessed India's struggles after a promising start, ultimately falling short in their efforts against the Australian team's determined play.
(With Agency Inputs)
