India made a confident start to the India Women tour of Australia 2026, defeating Australia Women by 21 runs via the DLS method in the opening T20I at Sydney on February 15, 2026. It was a performance built on discipline with the ball and calm assurance in a rain curtailed chase.
After winning the toss, India Women chose to field first, a decision that paid off as their bowlers never allowed Australia to fully settle. Rain delayed the start to the first innings, and the hosts managed 133, a total that felt competitive but not out of reach.
Australia had a few batters who got starts but struggled to convert them into something bigger. Georgia Wareham top scored with a lively 30 off 19 balls, striking four boundaries and keeping the tempo up in the middle overs. Phoebe Litchfield made 26, while Ellyse Perry contributed 20. However, whenever they tried to build partnerships, the Indian bowling attack brought breakthroughs.
The turning point came through Arundhati Reddy, who delivered a brilliant spell of 4 for 22 in her four overs. She picked up key wickets at crucial moments, breaking Australia’s rhythm and preventing a late surge. Renuka Singh Thakur and N Sree Charani supported her well, claiming two wickets each. India were sharp in the field too, holding on to their chances and saving important runs in the deep.
India started the chase with determination Shafali Verma ensured there was no room for doubt. She came out with aggressive intent, smashing 21 off just 11 deliveries, including one four and two powerful sixes that immediately tilted the game India’s way. Though Shafali fell in the fifth over, the damage had already been done.
Smriti Mandhana held her composure at the other end, finishing unbeaten on 16 off 17 balls. She rotated strike calmly and made sure there were no late hiccups. Jemimah Rodrigues added a quick unbeaten 9 off just three balls. With rain intervening again, India were well ahead of the DLS score, posting 50 runs for 1 in 5.1 overs.
The 21-run DLS victory gives India a 1-0 lead in the series and plenty of confidence going forward. The bowlers set the tone with discipline and control, and the batters handled the revised target with maturity and clarity.
For Australia, it was a case of missed opportunities. Promising starts with the bat did not turn into substantial scores, and in a shortened chase, they had little room to recover. India, meanwhile, looked sharp and composed, beginning the tour on a strong and professional note.
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