India started their three-match T20 series against Australia with a convincing nine-wicket win at Dr DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai on Friday. The hosts chased down the target of 142 with ease, thanks to the fireworks of Shafali Verma and Smriti Mandhana.
Verma, the 17-year-old sensation, smashed an unbeaten 64 off 38 balls, hitting 10 fours and two sixes. She shared a 102-run opening stand with Mandhana, who scored a fluent 54 off 36 balls, with eight fours and a six. The duo made a mockery of the Australian bowling attack, which had no answer to their aggression.
India reached the target in 15.4 overs, losing only one wicket, that of Mandhana, who was caught by Alyssa Healy off Nicola Carey. Jemimah Rodrigues joined Verma and finished the game with a boundary.
Earlier, Australia were bowled out for 141 in 19.2 overs, after opting to bat first. The visitors got off to a good start, with Healy and Beth Mooney adding 40 runs for the first wicket. However, India’s spinners turned the tide in their favour, as Titas Sadhu, the left-arm spinner, ran through the Australian middle order.
Sadhu, playing her first T20 for India, picked up four wickets for 23 runs in her four overs. She dismissed Mooney, Meg Lanning, Ashleigh Gardner, and Carey, and was named the player of the match for her brilliant performance. She was well supported by Deepti Sharma, who took two wickets for 24 runs.
The only resistance from Australia came from Phoebe Litchfield, the 17-year-old batter, who scored 49 off 37 balls, with six fours. She tried to revive the innings, but ran out of partners. She was the last wicket to fall, as Australia were bundled out for a below-par score.
The second T20 of the series will be played on January 7, followed by the third and final T20 on January 9, at the same venue.
source: NOI
