India v Australia: Tourists seal historic T20 series win

India have inflicted a first home bilateral series defeat on Australia in nine years after winning the deciding T20 by 17 runs in Adelaide.

The victory secured a 2-1 series triumph for the tourists, marking a significant milestone in their rivalry with the world’s dominant side.

Smriti Mandhana was the architect of the first innings, smashing a superb 82 off 55 balls to set the tone.

Record-breaking partnership

The opener was ably supported by Jemimah Rodrigues as the pair combined for a match-defining second-wicket stand.

The duo put on 121 runs, establishing a new record partnership for India in the shortest format of the game.

Their efforts propelled the visitors to a competitive total of 176-6, despite Annabel Sutherland claiming 2-34 for the hosts.

Australia’s chase began disastrously as they slumped to 32-3 early in the powerplay.

Off-spinner Shreyanka Patil made the initial breakthroughs, dismissing Georgia Voll and the experienced Ellyse Perry.

Ash Gardner attempted to salvage the innings, keeping her side in the contest with a resilient 57 from 45 deliveries.

However, the task proved too great for Sophie Molineux in her first series as Australia captain.

Patil returned to finish with impressive figures of 3-22, while left-arm spinner Shree Charani claimed 3-28 to stifle the chase.

The hosts eventually finished on 159-9, falling 17 runs short of the target.

This result caps a fluctuating series, following India’s rain-affected win in the opener and Australia’s 19-run victory in the second match.

Attention now turns to the 50-over format, with a three-match ODI series scheduled to begin in Brisbane on Tuesday.

The tour will conclude with a one-off Test match in Perth starting on 6 March.