Arundhati Reddy’s 4-Wicket Burst Powers India to DLS Win Over Australia

Sydney, Feb 2026 : Seam-bowling all-rounder Arundhati Reddy produced a sensational spell, claiming career-best figures of 4 for 22, as India registered a hard-fought 21-run victory over Australia via the DLS method in the opening match of the multi-format series at the Sydney Cricket Ground on Sunday.

Persistent rain played spoilsport in the latter half of the contest, but India had already done enough to secure the result. Chasing a revised target of 134, the visitors stormed to 50 for 1 in just 5.1 overs before heavy showers forced the players off the field. With no further play possible, India were declared winners and took a 2-0 lead in the multi-format series.

Earlier, Arundhati’s incisive bowling dismantled the Australian batting line-up, restricting the hosts to 133 all out in 18 overs. Her ability to extract movement and vary pace proved decisive, as Australia struggled to build sustained partnerships. Georgia Wareham was the top scorer with a brisk 30 off 19 balls, while Phoebe Litchfield (26) and Ellyse Perry (20) showed promise but failed to convert their starts into substantial contributions.

Australia looked steady during a 41-run stand between Perry and Litchfield, but the innings unravelled dramatically soon after. The hosts lost five wickets for just 12 runs, handing India complete control. Supporting Arundhati’s heroics, Renuka Singh Thakur and Sree Charani picked up two wickets each, while Deepti Sharma and Kranti Gaud chipped in with one scalp apiece, ensuring Australia never regained momentum.

India’s chase began in commanding fashion, with openers Shafali Verma and Smriti Mandhana racing to 50 runs in a little over five overs. Shafali, continuing her aggressive approach, struck 21 off 11 balls before falling to the first delivery bowled by new Australian captain Sophie Molineux. Despite the early wicket, India remained well ahead on DLS calculations when rain intervened.

The match also marked a new chapter for Australia, as it was their first T20I under Molineux’s leadership following her appointment in January. The hosts fielded a reworked line-up, resting key players such as vice-captain Tahlia McGrath, Megan Schutt and Grace Harris, while recalling Nicola Carey, who contributed a run-a-ball 12.

In a surprise move, Annabel Sutherland, fresh off winning the Belinda Clark Award once again, was pushed down to number eight. She managed just three runs before being stumped off Renuka Singh Thakur, adding to Australia’s woes.

With momentum firmly on their side, India will look to extend their dominance as both teams head to Canberra for the second T20I at the Manuka Oval on Thursday.

Brief Scores: Australia 133 all out in 18 overs (Georgia Wareham 30, Phoebe Litchfield 26; Arundhati Reddy 4-22, Renuka Singh Thakur 2-14) lost to India 50/1 in 5.1 overs (Shafali Verma 21, Smriti Mandhana 16 not out) by 21 runs (DLS method).