IND-W v AUS-W: Australia level series in Navi Mumbai

Ellyse Perry delivered a standout performance with an unbeaten 34 off 21 balls, guiding Australia to a victory in the second T20I against India in Navi Mumbai. This win leveled the three-match series. In her landmark 300th international match, Perry became the first Australian and only the fourth woman to achieve this milestone. Although she didn’t bowl, she contributed with a couple of key catches.

The Australian bowling attack, led by Annabel Sutherland, Georgia Wareham, and Kim Garth, each took two wickets. Beth Mooney and Alyssa Healy set the foundation for Australia’s chase with a partnership of over fifty runs.

Garth was instrumental in dismissing India’s Shafali Varma and Jemimah Rodrigues early in the innings. Smriti Mandhana and Captain Harmanpreet Singh tried to stabilize, but their efforts were short-lived as India stumbled to 54 for four.

Richa Ghosh and Deepti Sharma tried to anchor India’s innings, but Wareham’s dismissal of Richa and a run-out of Deepti, who scored 30, hampered their progress. India ended their innings at 130 for eight.

The Australian opening duo of Healy and Mooney initially put Australia in a strong position with a 51-run partnership before Deepti Sharma dismissed both. Perry, along with Tahila McGrath and later Phoebe Litchfield, steered Australia towards victory.

India’s Shreyanka Patil took the wickets of McGrath and Ashleigh Gardner, but Perry’s performance ensured a smooth finish for Australia, leading to a six-wicket win and tying the series.

The deciding T20I match is scheduled to take place on Tuesday, January 9, at the same venue in Navi Mumbai.