Dominant Australia decimate India to clinch a 4-1 series victory
Australia sealed the T20I series 4-1 in India
Australia prevailed by 54 runs in the final fixture of the five-match T20I series on Tuesday at Mumbai. In this process, they ended the series on a high to secure a 4-1 series victory.
Australia post a strong total, yet again
The visitors were not off to a good start, as they lost the make-shift opening pair of Beth Mooney (2) and Phoebe Litchfield (11) early. Afterwards, Tahlia McGrath (26) added 38 runs for the third wicket with Ellyse Perry, before getting stumped off Shafali Verma.
Soon, Devika Vaidya made Perry (18) holed out to Harleen Deol at long-on. Nevertheless, Aussie middle-order were up to the task, as Ashleigh Gardner and Grace Harris were exceptional to put Australia on the frontfoot.
The superb knocks from Gardner (66* off 32) and Harris (64* off 35) paved the way for Australia to post 196 on the board. The duo added more than 120 runs in the last 10 overs.
India succumb to pressure
In reply, the Indian team's reliable openers Smriti Mandhana (4) and Shafali (13) fell early, which gave enough pressure to the middle-order. Although Harleen Deol (24) started well, but was involved in an unfortunate run-out in the seventh over.
Harmanpreet Kaur (12) and Richa Ghosh (10) could not be potent enough with their contributions. Afterwards, Deepti Sharma played a fighting knock of 53 off 34 balls, as the hosts were dismissed for 142. Heather Graham picked up a hat-trick and finished with figures of 4/8 in two overs for Australia.
Brief Scores:
Australia Women - 196/4 (20)
Ashleigh Gardner 66* (32), Grace Harris 64* (35);
Shafali Verma 1/17, Devika Vaidya 1/26
India Women - 142/10 (20)
Deepti Sharma 53 (34), Harleen Deol 24 (16);
Heather Graham 4/8, Ashleigh Gardner 2/20
Australia Women won by 54 runs
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