India beat Australia in rain-hit first women’s T20 cricket international – as it happened

Guardian Sport

by James Wallace

February 15, 2026

AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary

India secured a thrilling 21-run victory (on DLS) against Australia in a rain-curtailed women’s T20 cricket international in Sydney, taking a strong 2-0 points lead in the multi-format series. The match, which was shortened due to heavy rain, saw India’s bowlers dominate as they restricted Australia to 69 runs in their allotted 13 overs. India’s batting set a competitive target of 78 in just 13 overs, with Shweta Mandhana and Renuka Singh playing crucial roles. Mandhana anchored the innings with a steady 25-run knock, while Renuka Singh took two wickets, including that of Alyssa Healy, to put pressure on the Australian batters. Australia’s chase was hampered by consistent bowling and good fielding from India, with key partnerships failing to materialize. The match also highlighted the challenges posed by the rain-interrupted conditions, as both teams had to adapt to the Duckworth-Lewis-Sterling (DLS) method. Despite a late cameo by Elyse Plunkett, who scored 21 runs in just seven balls, Australia struggled to build momentum. India’s bowlers, led by Mandhana and Renuka, kept the pressure on, ensuring the Aussies never felt comfortable at the crease. This victory is a significant boost for India’s women’s cricket team as they look to establish dominance in the multi-format series. The win also underscores the growing competitiveness of women’s T20 cricket, where strategic play and adaptability under pressure are key factors in determining the outcome. For fans of the sport, this match serves as a reminder of the thrilling nature of limited

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Originally published on Guardian Sport on 2/15/2026