Having bounced back emphatically in the T20 format after a 0-3 defeat in the ODIs, India demonstrated a comprehensive all-round performance in the series opener.
India’s fielding, criticized in the ODIs, showcased a spectacular turnaround with athleticism on display. The bowlers, led by the impressive 19-year-old Titas Sadhu, kept Australia in check during the first half of the opening T20. Sadhu’s remarkable spell of 4/17, including three crucial powerplay wickets, set the tone for India’s dominance.
Shafali Verma (64*) and Smriti Mandhana (54) then orchestrated a record-breaking 137-run opening partnership, guiding India to a historic nine-wicket win. The team’s fielding efforts, catching, and overall performance were notably commendable.
Reflecting on the victory, Titas Sadhu emphasized the importance of collective effort, stating, “I felt like our fielding effort was brilliant because a bowler can’t give her best until and unless she is supported by all the nine players inside the ground.”
With the series now in their favor, Team India seeks consistency to secure a historic series win against Australia at home. Australia, however, will be determined to bounce back, especially on the occasion of legendary Ellyse Perry’s 300th international game.
Australia’s captain, Alyssa Healy, expressed excitement for Sunday’s match, acknowledging Perry’s significant milestone. “The opportunity to be a part of her 300th fixture, everyone’s really excited for her. She doesn’t want to talk about it. It makes her feel old,” Healy remarked.
Australia, aiming for a comeback, will focus on addressing their batting vulnerabilities and improving discipline with the ball. With in-form batters like Phoebe Litchfield contributing consistently, they look to build partnerships and set a strong foundation.
The second T20I promises an exciting clash as both teams vie for supremacy, and India aims to secure a historic series triumph against Australia at home.
Squads:
India:Harmanpreet Kaur (c), Smriti Mandhana (vc), Jemimah Rodrigues, Shafali Verma, Deepti Sharma, Yastika Bhatia (wk), Richa Ghosh (wk), Amanjot Kaur, Shreyanka Patil, Mannat Kashyap, Saika Ishaque, Renuka Singh Thakur, Titas Sadhu, Pooja Vastrakar, Kanika Ahuja, Minnu Mani.
Australia: Darcie Brown, Heather Graham, Ashleigh Gardner, Kim Garth, Grace Harris, Alyssa Healy (c&wk), Jess Jonassen, Alana King, Phoebe Litchfield, Tahlia McGrath (vc), Beth Mooney (wk), Ellyse Perry, Megan Schutt, Annabel Sutherland, Georgia Wareham.
Time: 7:00 PM IST.
