India Outclass Australia in Adelaide Thriller, Clinch 17-Run Victory to Take Series Lead

Adelaide, Feb 2026 : In a gripping contest packed with momentum swings and high-pressure moments, India women’s cricket team produced a composed all-round performance to defeat the Australia women’s cricket team by 17 runs at the iconic Adelaide Oval. Defending a competitive total, India’s bowlers showed remarkable discipline in the closing overs to seal a hard-earned victory and take a 4–2 lead in the multi-format series.

Asked to bat first, India began on a steady note, with Shafali Verma and Smriti Mandhana looking to set an early tempo. Verma played a brief but brisk knock of seven runs before falling early, giving Australia their first breakthrough. Mandhana, however, looked in sublime touch, confidently driving and pulling the ball to keep the scoreboard ticking.

The innings gained real momentum when Mandhana was joined by Jemimah Rodrigues. The duo stitched together a crucial 121-run partnership that firmly swung the match in India’s favour. Mandhana anchored the innings with a fluent 82 off 55 balls, narrowly missing out on a well-deserved century. Rodrigues complemented her perfectly, scoring a calm and assured 59 off 46 deliveries, rotating the strike effectively and punishing loose balls.

After Mandhana’s dismissal, India briefly lost rhythm, but Richa Ghosh provided a late spark. Her quick-fire 18 off just seven balls added valuable runs at the death, ensuring India crossed the psychological 170-run mark. Despite a minor stumble in the final over, India finished with a total that looked defendable on a pitch offering something for both batters and bowlers.

Australia’s chase never quite settled into a smooth rhythm. Beth Mooney fell early, dismissed by Renuka Singh, setting the tone for a tense pursuit. Another early blow followed when Georgia Voll was removed, thanks to a sharp catch and disciplined bowling that put the hosts under immediate pressure.

A promising partnership between Phoebe Litchfield and Ashleigh Gardner briefly revived Australian hopes. Gardner, in particular, played a powerful knock of 57, striking boundaries at regular intervals and keeping the required run rate within reach. Litchfield supported well before falling for 26.

However, India struck back at crucial moments. Shreyanka Patil emerged as the game-changer, removing key batters and finishing with impressive figures. She was well supported by Shree Charani, who claimed vital wickets in the middle overs, including that of Australian skipper Sophie Molineux.

As pressure mounted, Australia’s middle order faltered. Grace Harris showed brief intent but was dismissed in unusual fashion, while Annabel Sutherland’s cameo ended when Patil struck again, leaving the hosts needing too much from the final overs. With the crowd on edge, Deepti Sharma bowled a calm and controlled final over, conceding just five runs to shut the door on Australia’s comeback hopes.

Australia finished on 159 for nine, falling short by 17 runs. The victory not only highlighted India’s growing composure in pressure situations but also underlined their strong bowling depth. With three ODIs and a one-off Test still to come, the series promises more intense battles as India carry forward their momentum and confidence.