The much-anticipated decider of the three match T20 International (T20I) series between Australia Women and India Women will take place on Saturday, 21 February 2026, at the iconic Adelaide Oval. With the series level at 1-1, both sides will step onto the field knowing that one strong performance can seal the series in what promises to be a gripping finale.
India started the series on a positive note with a 21 runs victory in the rain affected opener. Australia were bowled out for 133 in 18 overs before the DLS method revised India’s chase to 30 runs in 5.1 overs, a target they achieved comfortably to take a 1-0 lead. However, Australia responded strongly in the second T20I. Posting 163 on the board, the hosts showcased their batting depth and composure under pressure. India fought hard but were restricted to 144 in 20 overs, handing Australia a 19 runs win to level the series.
Squads:
Australia Women’s Cricket Team
Sophie Molineux (C), Ashleigh Gardner (VC), Tahlia McGrath (VC), Darcie Brown, Nicola Carey, Kim Garth, Grace Harris, Phoebe Litchfield, Beth Mooney, Ellyse Perry, Megan Schutt, Annabel Sutherland, Georgia Voll, Georgia Wareham
India Women’s Cricket Team
Harmanpreet Kaur (C), Smriti Mandhana (VC), Shafali Verma, Renuka Thakur, Sree Charani, Vaishnavi Sharma, Kranti Gaud, Sneh Rana, Deepti Sharma, Richa Ghosh, Uma Chetry, Arundhati Reddy, Amanjot Kaur, Jemimah Rodrigues, Bharti Fulmali, Shreyanka Patil
Players to watch out:
Arundhati Reddy
The 28-year-old right-arm medium-fast bowler has been a standout performer for India in this series. Featuring in 44 WT20Is with 43 wickets and the best of 4/22, Reddy has delivered when it mattered most. She picked up four wickets in the first T20I and followed it up with two more in the second match, consistently troubling Australia with her variations and control in the death overs.
Harmanpreet Kaur
India’s captain continues to anchor the batting unit with experience and authority. In 189 WT20Is, the right-hand batter has scored 3,820 runs and chipped in with 32 wickets. In the second T20I against Australia, she contributed a fighting 36, trying to keep India in the chase. Her ability to accelerate in the middle overs makes her crucial in a high-pressure decider.
Georgia Voll
The 22-year-old right hand batter turned the tide for Australia in the previous match. After scoring 18 in the first T20I, she bounced back spectacularly with an explosive 88 in the second game, showcasing her ability to dominate spin and pace alike. With 316 runs in 8 T20Is at an impressive strike rate of 149.05, Voll has shown her aggressive intent.
Beth Mooney
The experienced left-hand batter and wicketkeeper remains a pillar of Australia’s top order. In 114 WT20Is, she has amassed 3,432 runs at a strike rate of 125. Though she managed just 5 in the first match, Mooney responded with a composed 46 in the second T20I, stabilizing the innings and setting up a strong total.
Pitch:
The Adelaide Oval surface is expected to slow down slightly as the match progresses, assisting bowlers who rely on variations and changes of pace. Stroke play is generally easier in the first innings, making the toss crucial. Under lights, defending totals has proven marginally easier, particularly when the pitch grips in the second half.
Weather:
Conditions are expected to be warm with temperatures ranging between a minimum of 18°C and a maximum of 31°C. There is a 60% chance of precipitation, which could bring passing showers into play. Winds are likely to blow at around 8 km/h, while humidity is expected to hover near 41%.
Fantasy Playing XI:
Georgia Voll, Beth Mooney, Smriti Mandhana, Harmanpreet Kaur, Shafali Verma, Richa Ghosh, Ashleigh Gardner, Annabel Sutherland, Arundhati Reddy, Megan Darcie Brown, Sophie Molineux
Match Details:
Date – February 21, 2026
Venue – Adelaide Oval, North Adelaide
Time – 1:45 PM IST
Broadcast – JioHotstar App and website, Star Sports networks TV channels.
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