Australia Women extended their dominance over Women in Blue and showed why they are the World Champions. Alyssa Healy (55) and Beth Mooney (52*) exhibited superb batting displays, helping Australia to chase 148 with ease. Both the openers hit their respective half-centuries and powered their side to beat India by 7 wickets, clinching the three-match T20I series 2-1. Although the Aussies lost the first match, they bounced back strong to win the next two games.

Batting first, Shafali Verma and Smriti Mandhana gave India a fine start, adding 39 runs in 4.3 overs. Shafali was quick to get off the blocks but failed to kick on as Megan Schutt dismissed her for 26. Mandhana’s case was also the same and she departed after scoring 29. India went into deep trouble with Jemimah Rodrigues (2) and Harmanpreet Kaur (3) departing early. Annabel Sutherland removed both the batters in quick succession.

Richa Ghosh provided the impetus to the Indian innings, stitching crucial partnerships with Deepti Sharma (14) and Amanjot Kaur (17). Ghosh’s knock of 34 runs from 28 balls helped India to reach a decent 147/6 on board. Sutherland and Georgia Wareham picked up two wickets each for Australia.

The Aussies’ chase got off to an excellent start as Healy and Mooney batted brilliantly to add 85 runs for the opening wicket. Mooney and Tahila McGrath (20) then stitched a 32-run partnership to make the chase look very easy. Although Pooja Vastrakar struck twice in consecutive deliveries, it was too late for India to get back into the game. Mooney and Phoebe Litchfield (17) remained unbeaten to hand Australia a dominant win.