In a rain-interrupted encounter at the iconic Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG), India beat Australia by 21 runs via the DLS method to take a 1-0 lead in the three-match T20I series. On a day where the weather ultimately had the final word, it was Arundhati Reddy’s clinical bowling performance that set the foundation for a historic victory on Australian soil.
Arundhati Reddy Dismantles Australian Batting Order
Winning the toss and electing to field proved to be a masterstroke for Indian captain Harmanpreet Kaur. The Indian bowling unit looked sharp from the outset, consistently picking up wickets to prevent the hosts from building any significant momentum.
The star of the show was undoubtedly Arundhati Reddy, who finished with career-best figures of $4/22$ in her four overs. Reddy’s ability to strike at crucial junctures left the Australian middle order in tatters. She was well-supported by Renuka Singh Thakur ($2/14$) and the disciplined Shree Charani ($2/14$), as Australia was eventually bundled out for a modest 133 in 18 overs.
Key Australian Partnerships:
Despite these brief resistances, the Australians lost their final five wickets for just 12 runs, a collapse that shifted the game's energy entirely toward the visitors.
Rain Plays Spoilsport After India's Explosive Start
Chasing 134, the "Women in Blue" came out with aggressive intent. Shafali Verma led the charge with a brisk 21 off just 11 deliveries before being dismissed by Australia's new captain, Sophie Molineux.
When the clouds opened up, India had reached 50/1 in just 5.1 overs, with Smriti Mandhana (16) and Jemimah Rodrigues (9) looking comfortable at the crease. Because at least five overs had been completed, the DLS method came into play. With the par score set at 29, India was declared the winner by a comfortable margin of 21 runs as the match was officially called off.
Match Summary Table
| Team | Score | Top Performer |
| Australia Women | 133 All Out (18 overs) | Georgia Wareham (30) |
| India Women | 50/1 (5.1 overs) | Arundhati Reddy (4/22) |
| Result | India won by 21 runs (DLS) | — |
Why This Win Matters: A Shift in Momentum
This victory marks India's first T20I win over Australia in their own backyard since 2020. For a team looking to fine-tune their squad ahead of the 2026 T20 World Cup, defeating the world-ranked No. 1 side provides a massive psychological boost.
The surge in search interest on matchday highlights the growing appetite for the India Women vs Australia Women rivalry, which is quickly becoming one of the most competitive fixtures in international cricket.
The teams will now travel to Canberra for the second T20I on February 19, where Australia will be desperate to level the series and spoil India's dream start to the tour.
