India hammered Australia by nine wickets in the inaugural women’s Twenty20 international at Navi Mumbai, securing a 1-0 series lead, with Titas Sadhu playing a vital role with a stunning debut.
Sadhu, the teenage debutant, finished with 4-17 to dismiss Australia for 141 before Shafali Verma (64no) and Smriti Mandhana (54) led a clinical chase at the DY Patil Stadium, marking a major improvement for India after being dominated 3 -0 in the one-day series.
“We didn’t play very well at all tonight,” admitted Australia captain Alyssa Healy.
Verma and Mandhana’s 137-run partnership for the first wicket was the highest against Australia and the second best by an Indian pair. India were helped by some early missteps by Darcie Brown, who conceded 14 runs in the opening over, all extras.
Australia overshadowed in every department during the game, stumbling to 141 and then allowing India to cruise to victory.
Players of the match Tahlia McGrath and Ellyse Perry rejuvenated the innings after Sadhu caused early havoc to the Australian side by taking three quick wickets.
Sadhu’s remarkable 4-17 in her T20 debut set the tone for India’s eventual victory, with spinners Shreyanka Patil (2-19) and Deepti Sharma (2-24) finishing off the Australian tail.
Australia were left searching for answers following the outstanding performance by India, conceding improved efforts would be needed in the upcoming matches.