India’s opening batter Smriti Mandhana scored a brilliant half-century during the Women T20 Tri-Series final against Australia on Wednesday., However, her fighting knock went in vain as Indian batting unit collapsed after Mandhana’s dismissal and Australia won the contest by 11 runs.
Chasing 157, India made a terrible start as Tayla Vlaeminck drew the first blood in the form of 15-year-old Shefali Verma (11). Then the duo of Mandhana and Richa Ghosh handled the situation well and added 43 runs for the second wicket before the latter’s dismissal with India at 54.
Soon after, Jemimah Rodrigues lost her concentration and left Mandhana in the middle when the team’s score was 65. Then came skipper Harmanpreet Kaur who showed some maturity and assisted Mandhana to take the side out of trouble. The duo added 50 runs, and it looked like the Indian team will cruise through from there; however, there was a twist in the tale waiting to welcome the ‘Women in Blue.’
At 115, India lost their fourth wicket in the form of set batter Mandhana (66).
Mandhana reaches 50 in quick time! #AUSvIND pic.twitter.com/R3cUjYpel8
— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) February 12, 2020
As soon as the Mumbai-born left the field, the Indian batting fell like a pack of cards. From 115-4, they were all of a sudden on 127-8. The momentum shifted towards the Aussie camp, and they made sure to capitalize on it. In the last over of the match, Australia picked the remaining wickets to win the Tri-Series.
🏆 WINNERS 🏆#CmonAussie pic.twitter.com/xr141bjRFC
— Australian Women's Cricket Team 🏏 (@AusWomenCricket) February 12, 2020
The experienced left-arm spinner Australia Jess Jonassen, who dismantled India’s middle-order and completed her five-wicket haul, was rewarded with the ‘Player of the Match’ award.
Five wickets for Jess Jonassen! #AUSvIND pic.twitter.com/q4li6bXLd3
— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) February 12, 2020
Beth Mooney, who smashed an unbeaten 71 in the match, was honored with the ‘Player of the Series’ award.
Player of the series = Beth Mooney! 👏 pic.twitter.com/HdXIIJ4lYm
— Australian Women's Cricket Team 🏏 (@AusWomenCricket) February 12, 2020
Earlier, Australia posted 156-6 in their allotted 20 overs. Opener Mooney scored an outstanding knock of 71 not out to take her team to a competitive total. All-rounder Ashleigh Gardner and skipper Meg Lanning played handy knocks of 26 each.
