India Women launched their multi-format tour of Australia with a commanding 21-run victory via the Duckworth-Lewis-Stern (DLS) method in a rain-affected first T20 International at the Sydney Cricket Ground.
Harmanpreet Kaur won the toss and asked Australia to bat first under lights. The decision proved spot-on as India’s bowlers produced a clinical display, bundling out the hosts for just 133 in 18 overs.
Seam-bowling all-rounder **Arundhati Reddy** was the star of the show, claiming career-best figures of **4/22** in four overs. She removed dangerous batters Phoebe Litchfield (26), Ellyse Perry (20), Georgia Wareham (30) and tail-ender Darcie Brown. Renuka Singh Thakur (2/14) and Shree Charani (2/14) provided excellent support, while sharp fielding — including two stunning catches by Harmanpreet Kaur and a quick stumping by Richa Ghosh — kept the pressure relentless.
Australia’s new T20I captain Sophie Molineux watched her side lose early wickets: Beth Mooney (5) and Georgia Voll (18) departed inside the powerplay. A 41-run stand between Perry and Litchfield briefly stabilised the innings, but once Reddy struck, the collapse resumed. Wareham’s quick 30 offered late resistance, yet Australia fell well short of a competitive total.
In reply, India exploded out of the blocks. Shafali Verma blazed 21 off just 11 balls (two sixes) before holing out to Molineux. At 50/1 after 5.1 overs — Smriti Mandhana unbeaten on 16 and Jemimah Rodrigues on a rapid 9 — heavy rain forced the players off the field.
The DLS par score at that stage was 29. India were 21 runs ahead, and with no prospect of further play, the match was called off. India Women took a 1-0 lead in the three-match T20I series.
**Player of the Match Arundhati Reddy** described the win as “a strong start to the series” and praised the team’s quick adaptation to the conditions.
The second T20I will be played at Manuka Oval in Canberra on Thursday, February 20.
India’s bowlers have sent a clear message: the visitors are ready to challenge the world champions right from the outset.
