Arundhati Reddy’s fiery bowling powers India to emphatic win over Australia in rain-hit first Women’s T20I

India Women made a commanding start to their tour of Australia, clinching a 21-run win via the DLS method in the opening T20I against Australia Women at the iconic Sydney Cricket Ground. After opting to bowl first, the visitors produced a clinical bowling performance to bundle out the hosts for 133 in just 18 overs before rain interrupted India’s chase at 50/1 in 5.1 overs.

The match belonged to Arundhati Reddy, whose career-best spell dismantled Australia’s middle order and earned her the Player of the Match award.

Arundhati Reddy’s 4-fer rocks Australia

India’s decision to field first paid early dividends as Renuka Thakur struck in her opening spell, removing cheaply. While Georgia Voll injected early momentum with a brisk 18 off 10 balls, and Phoebe Litchfield followed it up with a fluent 26, Australia never truly seized control.

briefly threatened with a quickfire 20 off 11 deliveries, peppering the boundary rope with four crisp fours. However, just as the hosts looked to accelerate, Reddy turned the tide dramatically.

The right-arm pacer delivered a sensational spell of 4 for 22 in her four overs, breaking partnerships at crucial junctures. She dismissed Perry, Ashleigh Gardner, and Annabel Sutherland in quick succession, pushing Australia on the back foot. Shree Charani provided excellent support with figures of 2 for 14, while Renuka remained economical with 2 for 14 from her four overs.

Georgia Wareham’s fighting 30 off 19 balls offered late resistance, but disciplined bowling ensured Australia were bowled out for 133 in 18 overs — a total that looked slightly below par on a batting-friendly SCG surface.

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Shafali Verma’s fireworks set the tone before rain interruption

Chasing 134, India Women came out with positive intent. Shafali Verma wasted no time asserting herself, smashing 21 off just 11 balls, including two towering sixes that stunned the home crowd. Her aggressive strokeplay immediately put pressure on the Australian bowlers.

Smriti Mandhana played the anchor’s role with a composed 16 off 17 balls, rotating strike smartly and finding the gaps. Although Sophie Molineux managed to remove Shafali, Jemimah Rodrigues ensured there was no slowdown, striking two boundaries in her rapid 9 off 3 balls.

With India racing to 50 for 1 in just 5.1 overs, rain halted proceedings. After a lengthy delay and recalculation, India were adjudged winners by 21 runs under the DLS method, thanks to their superior position at the time of interruption.

🌧️ RAIN DECIDES THE GAME IN SYDNEY!

India walk away with a 21-run win (DLS method) in the 1st T20I.

No further play possible after interruptions 🚨

Scorecard:

— WomenCricket.com (@WomenCricketHQ)

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