IND vs AUS: Arundhati Reddy’s four-wicket haul guides India to 21-run DLS win over Australia

Harmanpreet-led India defeated Australia by 21 runs as per the DLS method after the play was stopped due to rain in the first T20I to take a 1-0 lead in the three-match series. 

Indian bowlers dominate Australia

After being asked to bat, Australia failed to get a good start as India produced a disciplined and clinical performance with the ball to dismiss Australia for 133 with two overs still remaining. The hosts started aggressively but failed to build on promising starts, a trend that hurt them through the innings.

ALSO READ: Ex-India opener predicts Pakistan star will fail and Babar Azam will play like Tests in Colombo clash

Arundhati Reddy picked up four wickets in 1st T20I

Arundhati Reddy was the star of the show, returning impressive figures of 4 for 22. She struck at crucial moments to derail Australia’s progress. Renuka Singh and Shree Charani provided solid support, while Harmanpreet Kaur’s sharp fielding included a stunning diving catch.

ALSO READ: Rising Stars Women's Asia Cup: India romp over Pakistan with 8-wicket win as bowlers & half-centurion Vrinda dominate

Australia failed to convert a good start

Australia raced to 22 inside three overs before losing Beth Mooney. Georgia Voll looked fluent but fell soon after. Ellyse Perry and Phoebe Litchfield stitched together a quick 41-run partnership to steady the innings, but just as they began to threaten, India struck back. From 80 for five, Australia struggled to recover despite a brief resistance from Georgia Wareham.

While chasing, India were off to a good start as the Women in Blue were 50/1, when rain stopped the play at Sydney Cricket Ground in Sydney. Vice captain Smiriti Mandhana (16) was on the crease alongside Jemimah Rodrigues (9). With rain interrupting the chase later, India were ahead on the DLS scorecard and were declared winners by 21 runs.