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In a spectacular display of skill and determination, the Indian Women’s cricket team clinched a convincing victory against Australia in the 1st T20I of the three-match series. The match, held at the iconic Dr DY Patil Sports Academy, witnessed stellar performances from Titas Sadhu, Smriti Mandhana, and Shafali Verma, setting the tone for an exciting series.
Titas Sadhu wreaks havoc in Australian camp
Opting to bowl first after winning the toss, the Indian women’s team showcased a disciplined bowling performance to restrict world champion Australia to a total of 141 runs in 19.2 overs. Ellyse Perry was the top scorer for the visitors with a quickfire 37 runs off 30 balls, including two fours and two sixes. Phoebe Litchfield also contributed significantly with a well-played 49 runs off 32 balls.
However, it was the Indian bowlers who stole the show. Titas emerged as the star performer, claiming an impressive four wickets for just 17 runs in her four overs. Renuka Thakur, Shreyanka Patil, and Deepti Sharma also chipped in with crucial wickets, ensuring Australia had no respite.
Smriti Mandhana and Shafali Verma shine with bat
Chasing a target of 142 runs, the Indian Women’s team put up a dominant batting display, securing victory with 145/1 in just 17.4 overs. Smriti and Shafali played sensational innings, scoring 54 and 64 runs, respectively. Smriti’s innings included seven boundaries and a six, while Shafali showcased her aggressive style with six fours and three sixes. The Australian bowlers struggled to contain the Indian batters, with Wareham being the sole wicket-taker for the visitors.
Titas was rightfully awarded the Player of the Match for her outstanding bowling performance, which played a pivotal role in India’s triumph.
Also READ: Top 4 nominees for the ICC Women’s T20I Cricketer of the Year 2023
Series outlook
With India Women securing a commanding victory in the first T20I, all eyes are now on the upcoming matches. The series promises more exciting cricket action, with both teams geared up for the next clash on Sunday, January 7, at the same venue.
Here’s how Twitter reacted:
What an emphatic victory this is for @BCCIWomen! A spectacular effort by the bowlers to bowl out Australia, led by young @titas_sadhu who was so impressive tonight. @TheShafaliVerma and @mandhana_smriti continued the momentum with a flurry of boundaries after a solid start,… pic.twitter.com/HYlOCumLWc
— Mithali Raj (@M_Raj03) January 5, 2024
Well… That’s a good start to the T20 series.#INDvAUS. Well played ladies @BCCIWomen . Convincing in every department today to win over the world champions. Keep it up 👍😊
— Anjum Chopra (@chopraanjum) January 5, 2024
Stellar start for Team India in the T20I series against Australia! Young sensation @titas_sadhu's four-wicket haul and explosive fifties from openers @mandhana_smriti and @TheShafaliVerma led us to a 1-0 lead. Congratulations to the Women in Blue for a fantastic win! Let's keep… pic.twitter.com/DouFIYjnKT
— Jay Shah (@JayShah) January 5, 2024
The Smriti & Shafali Show 📺 🤝
✅ First opening pair to cross 5⃣0⃣0⃣ opening partnership runs 🆚 🇦🇺 in WT20Is
✅ First 🇮🇳 pair to put on a 💯+ partnership 🆚 🇦🇺 in WT20IsThe dynamic duo helped the #WomenInBlue script a convincing 9-wicket victory! 👊#PlayBold #INDvAUS… pic.twitter.com/2CIuZkPUf9
— Royal Challengers Bangalore (@RCBTweets) January 5, 2024
Official turnout at the DY Patil Stadium today for the first #INDvAUS women’s T20I: 21,600.
The spectators have been treated to a Titas Sadhu four-four, a superb century opening between Smriti Mandhana and Shafali Verma, and a mammoth nine-wicket win for India. pic.twitter.com/scWEUZwVu6
— Annesha Ghosh (@ghosh_annesha) January 5, 2024
Smriti & Shafali become the FIRST Indian pair to share a century stand against Australia in women's T20Is. pic.twitter.com/Rqcm7WIZUT
— Kausthub Gudipati (@kaustats) January 5, 2024
INDIA DEFEATED AUSTRALIA IN THE 1st T20I. 🇮🇳
India beat Australia by 9 wickets, chasing 142 runs from 17.4 overs – Stars are Shafali, Smriti & Titas for India. One of the remarkable days in Women's cricket. pic.twitter.com/sJ3c20orWo
— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) January 5, 2024
Great way to start the T20 series☄️
Titas 4 wickets
Smriti 54 runs
Shafali 64 runs#INDvAUS pic.twitter.com/8m7GEj9SNW— Sajan 🇮🇳 (@HarMonster7) January 5, 2024
👏🧢 Congratulations to Shreyanka Patil for making her ODI debut.
🇮🇳🏏 Smriti and Shreyanka replace Shafali and Saika, and we'll be bowling first.
📷 Getty • #INDWvAUSW #INDvAUS #TeamIndia #BharatArmy #COTI🇮🇳 pic.twitter.com/bGTdJpLQr9
— The Bharat Army (@thebharatarmy) December 30, 2023
TEAM INDIA BEAT AUSTRALIA WOMEN BY 9 WICKETS 💙🇮🇳
– Titas Sadhu Got Player Of The Match For Her Incredible Spell of 17/4.
– Two Wickets For Both Shreyanka And Deepti Sharma
– Glorious Innings By Shafali Varma
– Half Century By Smriti #INDvAUS pic.twitter.com/uYvVKlulMK— Harshit 2.0 🇮🇳 (@46thCenturyWhen) January 5, 2024
Also READ: India Women vs Australia Women 2023-24, T20I series: Broadcast, Live Streaming details: When and where to watch in India, USA, Australia & other countries
This article was first published at WomenCricket.com, a Cricket Times company.