Seamer Arundhati Reddy produced a superb spell of 4 for 22 as India bowled out hosts Australia for 133 in the first women’s T20 International on Sunday.
Such was the visitors’ dominance with the ball that Australia were dismissed with two overs still remaining.
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Put in to bat, Australia began briskly and raced to 22 in 2.2 overs before Beth Mooney (5) miscued a lofted shot off Renuka Singh, offering a simple catch to Smriti Mandhana at cover.
Georgia Voll (18 off 10) looked equally aggressive but edged a wide delivery from Kranti Gaud behind, with wicketkeeper Richa Ghosh completing a comfortable take.
Ellyse Perry (20 off 11) and Phoebe Litchfield (26 off 19) rebuilt with a fluent 41-run stand for the third wicket. Just as the partnership began to threaten India, Arundhati struck, thanks to a moment of brilliance from captain Harmanpreet Kaur, who ran back and pulled off a stunning diving catch.
That breakthrough shifted the momentum decisively. India quickly removed Ashleigh Gardner (4) and Litchfield to leave Australia reeling at 80 for five in the 10th over.
Georgia Wareham (30 off 19) and Nicola Carey (12) attempted a recovery with a 41-run stand for the sixth wicket. However, Wareham miscued a delivery down the leg side from Arundhati, while Carey was bowled by a sharp Shree Charani delivery attempting a cut shot.
Renuka then added to Australia’s woes as Annabel Sutherland was brilliantly stumped by Ghosh, who whipped off the bails in a flash.
Australia are entering a new phase in T20 cricket under newly appointed captain Sophie Molineux, who took charge of the side in January.
