In a spectacular display of skill and teamwork, Smriti Mandhana and Shafali Verma orchestrated a brilliant nine-wicket victory for India Women over Australia Women in the first T20I at the DY Patil Stadium. The dynamic duo formed a formidable opening partnership, amassing 137 runs and securing a 1-0 lead in the three-match series on a memorable Friday.
Earlier in the match, India Women's young pacer Titas Sadhu wreaked havoc, claiming a remarkable four-wicket haul, while spinners Shreyanka Patil and Deepti Sharma chipped in with two wickets each. The reigning Women's T20 World Cup champions, Australia Women, were bowled out for 141 in 19.2 overs after India won the toss and elected to field.
Chasing a target of 142, Smriti Mandhana showcased her class with a composed 54 off 52 balls, while Shafali Verma unleashed an unbeaten 64 from just 44 deliveries. Their explosive partnership saw India Women comfortably reach 145/1 in 17.4 overs, sealing the victory with 14 balls to spare.
Titas Sadhu's exceptional bowling performance, securing figures of 4-17, played a pivotal role in dismantling Australia Women's innings. Shreyanka Patil (2-19) and Deepti Sharma (2-24) also made significant contributions as the visitors struggled to capitalize on a mid-innings recovery, losing four wickets for a mere six runs in the final couple of overs.
Australia Women's innings stumbled from the start, losing key wickets, including opener Beth Mooney and skipper Alyssa Healy early on. Despite a resilient partnership between Ellyse Perry (37) and Phoebe Litchfield (49), Australia suffered a collapse, losing their last six wickets for 29 runs and getting bowled out for 141.
India's dominant performance was highlighted by a blistering start, as Smriti Mandhana and Shafali Verma crafted another 100-run partnership for the opening wicket. Mandhana's 54 runs off 52 balls, featuring seven boundaries and a six, set the tone for India's pursuit. Shafali Verma, who returned to the squad after being dropped in the ODI series, marked her comeback with a stunning 64 not out off 44 balls, including six boundaries and two sixes.
With this emphatic victory, India Women stamped their authority on the series, displaying exceptional batting prowess and a clinical bowling effort to outclass the formidable Australia Women's team. The stage is now set for an exciting continuation of the T20I series.
(With Agency Inputs)
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