Australia A Women completed a cleansweep over India A Women in the three-T20 series that concluded on August 11. ICC's no.2 ranked T20 batter Tahlia McGrath slammed an unbeaten 22-ball fifty as the hosts beat Minnu Mani-led India A by seven wickets with 37 balls to spare.
In the third T20 of the series, India A managed to post a below par total of 120/8. Pacer Tayla Vlaeminck conceded just six runs from her quota of four overs. India A lost half their side for 47 in the 13th over. It was Kiran Navgire's 20-ball 38 cameo coupled with skipper Minnu's 22-run knock that helped India post 120/8.
In the run chase, the hosts started well despite Katie Mack's wicket in the powerplay overs to Shabnam Shakil. Wilson scored 39 runs from 26 balls before falling to Mannat Kashyap. Mani's consolation wicket was that of Charli Knott who scored 19 runs from 20 balls. McGrath ensured there is no anti-climax. She hit eight fours and a couple of sixes in her knock. She finished the run chase with three consecutive fours in the 14th over.
Priya’s standout performance
The only standout performance from her Indian in the series came off Priya Punia’s bat. The veteran who has been missing from the T20I squad for five years as a young Shafali Verma has occupied the opening spot alongside vice-captain Smriti Mandhana. Punia scored 76 runs from 59 balls in the unsuccessful run chase in the first T20. Her knock was not enough to take India A over the line in the run chase of 164 as they lost by five runs.
Punia followed it up with scores of 29 and 11 in the next two games. It will be interesting to see if she is considered to solve India’s no.3 woes ahead of T20 World Cup 2024.
Comprehensive loss in 2nd T20
In the second T20, India A posted 130/9 on the board. Grace Parsons bagged a four-fer whereas Nicola Hancock registered an economical three-fer. In reply, Wilson's unbeaten half-century and skipper McGrath's 38-ball 47 helped Australia A chase down the target with eight wickets in hand and 10 balls to spare.
Another chance to prove
India and Australia A will now play in the One-Day series starting from August 14. The tour will end on August 22.
Later this year, the senior side will tour Australia for a three-ODI series in December.
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