Australia bounced back in emphatic fashion to defeat India by 19 runs in the second T20I in Canberra. Consequently, the three-match series is now tied at 1-1.
A record-breaking opening partnership paved the way for Australia’s commanding total. Conversely, India crumbled during the final overs despite a sparkling start to their chase.
Voll and Mooney Set New Record
After India won the toss and elected to bowl, Australia seized early control. Georgia Voll and Beth Mooney stitched together a massive 128-run stand for the first wicket. As a result, this became Australia’s highest opening partnership against India in women’s T20Is.
Voll was the primary aggressor. She struck 11 fours and one six, scoring a career-best 88 off only 57 balls. Meanwhile, the experienced Mooney played a perfect supporting role with 46 runs. During her knock, Mooney surpassed legendary batter Meg Lanning to become Australia’s all-time leading run-scorer in women’s T20Is.
Arundhati Reddy eventually broke the partnership. She dismissed both openers and finished with respectable figures of 2/30. Ultimately, Australia posted a challenging total of 163/5.
India’s Chase: From Promise to Collapse
India flew out of the blocks in response. Openers Shafali Verma (29) and Smriti Mandhana (31) added 54 runs inside the Powerplay.
However, Australia captain Sophie Molineux applied the brakes by trapping Verma leg-before. Shortly after, Ashleigh Gardner claimed the crucial wicket of Jemimah Rodrigues. When Mandhana was caught behind off Kim Garth, India found themselves struggling at 71/3.
Captain Harmanpreet Kaur (36) and Richa Ghosh (19) steadied the ship. Together, they built a crucial 55-run partnership for the fourth wicket. Unfortunately, the mounting required run rate forced risky shots.
The Final Slide
India was in a relatively decent position, needing 44 runs off the final four overs with seven wickets in hand. Then, the wheels completely fell off.
Harmanpreet was caught at extra cover off Garth’s bowling. Three balls later, Ghosh was stumped by Mooney off Gardner. Subsequently, the lower order completely collapsed. Amazingly, India lost six wickets for a mere seven runs in the dying stages of the match.
Ultimately, India finished at 144/9. Gardner was the standout bowler for the hosts, claiming impressive figures of 3/22.
The series-deciding third T20I will take place at the Adelaide Oval on Saturday, February 21.
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