India made a strong start to the chase after fighting back strongly with the ball, but Australia’s home advantage and disciplined execution created mounting pressure that eventually triggered a dramatic collapse.
In a thrilling second T20I at Manuka Oval, Canberra, the match swung back and forth before Australia held their nerve in the crucial moments, securing a 19-run victory and leveling the series.
The contest was a major turning point for Australia, who entered the game under scrutiny after a heavy defeat in the rain-hit opener. With a new captain leading the side, this win restored confidence and set up an exciting decider.
Georgia Voll Powers Australia to a Competitive Total
Australia’s innings was built around a stunning knock from Georgia Voll, who struck a commanding 88 runs under pressure. After being sent in to bat on a flat pitch, Australia looked unstoppable early, racing through the powerplay with Voll in complete control.
Voll dominated the opening partnership with Beth Mooney, putting India’s bowlers on the back foot with crisp drives, powerful sweeps, and fearless strokeplay through the on side.
At one stage, Australia appeared set for a massive score close to 200, reaching 114 without loss after 13 overs, with Voll’s aggressive approach dictating the tempo.
Record Opening Partnership Sets the Platform
The 128-run stand between Voll and Mooney became Australia’s highest opening partnership against India in women’s T20I cricket, surpassing the memorable World Cup final stand from 2020.
While Voll played the role of aggressor, Mooney anchored the innings and rotated strike, ensuring the scoreboard kept moving despite some early quiet overs.
The partnership gave Australia complete control and forced India into defensive field placements much earlier than expected.
India Fight Back Through Arundhati Reddy’s Key Breakthroughs
Just when Australia looked ready to explode at the death, seamer Arundhati Reddy once again emerged as India’s most reliable weapon.
Reddy broke the momentum by removing both Voll and Mooney, producing crucial breakthroughs that shifted the balance back toward the visitors.
Her yorkers at the backend were exceptional, preventing Australia from finishing strongly, and India managed to restrict the hosts to 163 for 5 after a dominant start.
Australia’s Middle Order Fails to Capitalize at the Death
Despite the explosive opening, Australia’s innings strangely slowed in the final overs. Big hitters like Ashleigh Gardner and Georgia Wareham were not promoted aggressively, and the team managed only 24 runs in the last four overs.
This late stumble meant India entered the chase believing the target was well within reach, especially after their strong start in Sydney’s shortened opener.
Still, Australia’s bowlers remained confident that early wickets could tilt the match back in their favor.
India’s Chase Begins With Fire and Confidence
India could not have asked for a better beginning. Openers Shafali Verma and Smriti Mandhana attacked from ball one, smashing boundaries and racing to 54 without loss in the powerplay.
Shafali looked particularly dangerous, striking cleanly through the off side and putting Australia’s seamers under immediate pressure.
Mandhana matched her with elegant timing, and India appeared firmly on track at 57 for 0, chasing 164 with momentum.
Sophie Molineux Delivers a Captain’s Moment
The turning point arrived when captain Sophie Molineux stepped up with the ball and trapped Shafali Verma lbw for 29.
It was a huge breakthrough, not only halting India’s flying start but also injecting belief back into Australia’s fielding unit.
Molineux also displayed sharp decision-making, successfully reviewing a dismissal to overturn an incorrect call, highlighting her growing impact as leader.
Harmanpreet and Ghosh Keep India in the Fight
After the early wicket, skipper Harmanpreet Kaur and wicketkeeper Richa Ghosh rebuilt the innings with a powerful 55-run partnership.
The pair kept India’s hopes alive, counterattacking Australia’s spinners and ensuring the chase did not lose pace entirely.
For a brief period, the match once again looked evenly poised, with India needing a strong finish in the final overs.
Australia’s Bowlers Apply Pressure and Break the Game Open
Australia’s bowling attack tightened brilliantly in the middle overs. Seamer Kim Garth delivered the crucial blow by dismissing Harmanpreet, a wicket that shifted momentum decisively.
From that moment, India struggled to find boundaries, and dot balls began to pile up as Australia sensed an opening.
Gardner supported the captain with an excellent spell, finishing with figures of 3 for 22 and proving decisive in the final collapse.
India Collapse Dramatically at the Death
India’s chase unraveled in shocking fashion in the closing overs. After being in control early, the visitors lost 5 wickets for just 7 runs near the end.
The pressure of the required run rate, combined with Australia’s disciplined death bowling, proved too much for India’s lower order.
What began as a promising chase ended in frustration, leaving India searching for answers ahead of the series decider.
Australia Celebrate a Crucial Series-Leveling Victory
Australia’s 19-run win was not just about leveling the series, but also about regaining confidence after criticism following their opening defeat.
Georgia Voll’s match-defining 88 provided the platform, while Sophie Molineux’s captaincy and Australia’s collective bowling effort ensured they defended successfully.
With the series now tied, all eyes turn to Adelaide, where the decider promises another high-stakes battle between two of the strongest teams in women’s cricket.
Match Summary Table
| Match | Australia vs India, 2nd T20I |
| Venue | Manuka Oval, Canberra |
| Australia Score | 163/5 (Georgia Voll 88, Mooney 46) |
| India Score | 144/9 (Harmanpreet 36, Gardner 3/22) |
| Result | Australia won by 19 runs |
| Series Status | Levelled 1-1 |
The stage is now perfectly set for an intense final showdown, with both sides eager to claim the T20I series and build momentum for future tournaments.
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