Smriti Mandhana leads from the front with a stylish 82
India’s innings was built around a magnificent knock of Smriti Mandhanawho once again proved why she remains the backbone of the batting unit. The elegant left-hander scored 82 off 55 balls and peppered her innings with eight boundaries and three towering sixes. She then controlled the pace brilliantly Shafali Verma left early to 7, ensuring India did not lose momentum in the powerplay.
Jemima Rodrigues provided solid support with a fluid 59 off 46 deliveries, rotating the strike efficiently and seeking out the gaps regularly. The duo put together a crucial partnership that kept the innings steady and set the platform for a strong finish. A late cameo from Richa Ghoshwho hit 18 off just 7 balls, including a six, propelled India to 176/6 after 20 overs.
For Australia, Annabel Sutherland was the choice of the bowlers with figures of 2/34, while Kim Gart And Sophie Molineux each with a wicket chipped. However, the hosts struggled to contain Mandhana during the middle overs, which ultimately proved costly.
Indian bowlers are keeping their nerve despite Ashleigh Gardner’s resistance
Chasing 177, Australia Women started aggressively but lost early wickets at crucial intervals. Georgia vol quickly hit a 10, but Beth Mooney And Ellyse Perry fell cheaply, putting pressure on the middle order. Phoebe Litchfield tried to counter-attack with 26 off 17 balls but India’s bowlers held tight lines.
Ashleigh Gardner fought bravely and anchored the chase with a determined 57 off 45 deliveries, including five fours and a six. She tried to rebuild the innings and kept Australia in the hunt deep into the final overs. However, the lack of substantial partnerships around her hurt the home side.
Shreyanka Patil delivered a match-turning spell, taking 3/22 in her four overs. Shree Charani also impressed by 3/32, who struck at crucial moments to derail Australia’s chase. Arundhati Reddy well supported with two wickets while Renuka Thakur caught with one. India’s collective bowling effort restricted Australia to 159/9 and trailed by 17 runs.
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Here’s how fans reacted
India takes the T20I series and takes the lead 4-2 in the multi-format series #AUSWIN 🍿 pic.twitter.com/5efB1cnan7
— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) February 21, 2026
Authoritative and match-winning 🫡#TeamIndia Vice-captain Smriti Mandhana is the Player of the Match in the 3️⃣th T20I for her glorious 8⃣2⃣(55) 👏
Scorecard ▶️ https://t.co/8PDW83zavH#AUSWIN | @mandhana_smriti pic.twitter.com/XvPqQYL8Gg
— BCCI Women (@BCCIWomen) February 21, 2026
🚨 SMRITI MANDHANA WON THE PLAYER OF THE MATCH PRIZE Vs AUSTRALIA IN DECIDER 🚨
– The queen of world cricket.💥❣️#INDvAUS pic.twitter.com/8Ot72T3Hc3
— Sunil Chahar (@SunilChahar22) February 21, 2026
The last time the Australian women’s team lost a T20I series was in 2017, Ashes vs England.
The last time the Australian women’s team lost a home T20I series was in 2016 against India.Both governments are broken today.@BCCIWomen defeated Australia 2-1 to complete a historic series victory.#INDvAUS
— Sports Geeez (@Sportsgeeez) February 21, 2026
Almost after 10 years, winning the bilateral T20 series against Aus in Aus is something special. It was so much needed for my mental health!!!#INDvAUS
— Sakshi Yendhe (@yendhe_sakshi) February 21, 2026
India take the T20I series 2-1 with an impressive all-round display. Full team effort, clinical execution and a statement win along the way 🔥👏#AUSWIN
Scorecard 👉 https://t.co/7zut6nidLG pic.twitter.com/Eh1cPir19H— WomenCricket.com (@WomenCricketHQ) February 21, 2026
#INDvAUS
Can never get enough of this. pic.twitter.com/AHJC71YR9L
— Vinayakk (@vinayakkm) February 21, 2026
India Women defeated Australia Women by 1️⃣7️⃣ Runs & Win the Series by 2️⃣-1️⃣
Player of the Match – Smriti Mandhana8️⃣2️⃣ Runs
.#INDvAUS #INDWvsAUSW #T20I pic.twitter.com/VNa8r2lKoX— Durlabh (@DurlabhDJ) February 21, 2026
A team that can beat Australia months before a T20 World Cup away from home should be considered favorites for the event. This is a huge win for @BCCIWomen and an important confidence booster. As is often the case, spin trumps the business end in the Women’s T20 #INDvAUS https://t.co/m8cA59jgx7
— Prabhanjan Badami (@PABadami) February 21, 2026
Very well done bowling by shreyanka patil ??
Crusal over 18 over gives only 7 runs and takes 1 wicket 👏 #ShreyankaPatil #INDvAUS
AND SHE TOOK 3 WICKETS ✨️ pic.twitter.com/qRMipfRpUt
— Rcb fc ✨️ (@RCBFP24) February 21, 2026
Another great win…that shows the shift in the Indian team’s confidence in not just competing, but winning. #ausvInd #IndvAus https://t.co/vhyIgyBkJ5
— filmman (@movieman777) February 21, 2026
The Indian women’s team won the bilateral T20I series against Australia for the second time. Both times it came to the Australian coast (2016 and 2026).#INDvAUS pic.twitter.com/IIpv8QGqek
— NachtWatchMad (@NightWatchMad) February 21, 2026
READ also: Inoka Ranaweera guides Sri Lanka to a thrilling win over West Indies in the 1st Women’s ODI
This article was first published on WomenCricket.coma Cricket Times company.
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