History in Adelaide! Mandhana and Patil Star as India Clinch First T20I Series Win in Australia for a Decade
ADELAIDE – In a clinical display of power-hitting and disciplined bowling, the India Women’s National Cricket Team defeated Australia Women by 17 runs at the Adelaide Oval today, February 21, 2026. This victory marks a historic 2-1 series triumph for the "Women in Blue," their first T20I bilateral series win on Australian soil since 2016.
Mandhana and Rodrigues Power India to 176
After winning the toss and electing to bat, India overcame the early loss of Shafali Verma thanks to a masterclass from vice-captain Smriti Mandhana.
Mandhana’s blistering 82 off 55 balls (including 8 fours and 3 sixes) anchored the innings. She found a perfect partner in Jemimah Rodrigues, who silenced critics with a fluent 59 off 46. The duo’s 121-run partnership for the second wicket decimated the Australian bowling rhythm, propelling India to a formidable 176/6 in their 20 overs.
The Spin Trap: Shreyanka Patil Stuns the Aussies
Australia’s chase started with a "flier" as Georgia Voll and Beth Mooney hammered 18 runs off the first over. However, the momentum shifted instantly when Shreyanka Patil was introduced.
Patil, returning to the XI for this decider, delivered a match-winning spell of 3/22. She removed both openers and then claimed the "big scalp" of Ellyse Perry (playing her 350th international match) for just 1. Shree Charani complemented her with a crucial 3-wicket haul, removing Phoebe Litchfield and Grace Harris.
Despite a valiant 57 from Ashleigh Gardner, the Australian middle order crumbled under the pressure of the mounting required rate. Australia finished their 20 overs at 159/9, falling 17 runs short.
Series Snapshot: India Takes the Lead
With this 2-1 T20I victory, India now holds a 4-2 points lead in the multi-format series as they head into the ODI leg.
1st T20I (Sydney): India won by 21 runs (DLS).
2nd T20I (Canberra): Australia won by 19 runs.
3rd T20I (Adelaide): India won by 17 runs.
"Beating Australia in Australia is something really special," said Player of the Match Smriti Mandhana. "We won't celebrate too much as the ODI series starts Tuesday, but this gives us immense confidence."
Quick Scorecard:
India Women: 176/6 (S. Mandhana 82, J. Rodrigues 59; A. Sutherland 2/34)
Australia Women: 159/9 (A. Gardner 57; S. Patil 3/22, S. Charani 3/32)
India vs Australia Women 3rd T20I, Smriti Mandhana 82 Adelaide, Shreyanka Patil 3 wickets, India Women Tour of Australia 2026, Women's Cricket Live Score.
#INDvAUS #WomensCricket #SmritiMandhana #ShreyankaPatil #CricketHighlights #TeamIndia #T20I #AdelaideOval
