Why AUS-W Lost to IND-W in the 3rd T20I: 3 Key Reasons Behind the Defeat

Australia Women lost to India Women by 17 runs in the 3rd T20I at Adelaide after falling short in a 177-run chase, finishing on 159/9 in 20 overs. The match tilted decisively during the powerplay when Australia slipped to 32/3 inside 3.3 overs, immediately destabilizing the chase. In this AUS-W vs IND-W match analysis, the early collapse combined with India’s middle-over control overshadowed Ashleigh Gardner’s fighting 57 off 45. India’s 176/6, powered by Smriti Mandhana’s 82 off 55, ultimately proved match-defining. 

Powerplay Collapse Put the Chase Under Immediate Pressure

Chasing 177 in T20 cricket demands early stability, but Australia’s top order unraveled quickly. Georgia Voll fell at 19 in the second over, Beth Mooney followed at 21, and Ellyse Perry was dismissed at 32 in the fourth over. Losing three wickets inside 3.3 overs significantly raised the required rate and forced the middle order into recovery mode.

Although Phoebe Litchfield scored 26 off 17, the structural damage was already done. From 63/4 in 8.2 overs, Australia were chasing the game rather than controlling it. These early dismissals stand out among the primary AUS-W defeat reasons, as T20 chases of 175-plus rarely succeed after such top-order disruption. 

India’s Middle-Over Bowling Flipped the Momentum

The defining phase came between overs 9 and 17, where India’s bowlers applied sustained pressure. Shreyanka Patil delivered 3/22 in four overs at an economy of 5.50, removing key batters including Ellyse Perry and Annabel Sutherland. Shree Charani complemented that with 3/32, striking twice in the 16th over.

Ashleigh Gardner’s 57 off 45 kept Australia alive until 15.5 overs, but once she fell at 128/6, the chase unraveled rapidly. Between overs 15 and 18, Australia lost four wickets for just 15 runs. These moments, central to the AUS-W vs IND-W highlights, effectively shut the door on any late surge. India’s ability to strike in clusters ensured Australia never regained control. 

Failure to Manage the Required Rate in the Final Overs

At 98/4 after 13 overs, Australia still had a pathway. However, Georgia Wareham’s 12 off 14 and successive wickets in the 16th and 17th overs stalled the acceleration. The required rate climbed beyond nine per over entering the death phase, and with Gardner dismissed, the lower order lacked the firepower to compensate.

India’s bowling discipline further exposed Australia’s finishing issues. Deepti Sharma conceded just 27 in four overs, while Renuka Singh struck early to remove Mooney and apply powerplay pressure. In a broader IPL 2025 match review context, this chase reinforces a key T20 principle: preserving wickets through the middle overs is essential for a controlled finish. Australia entered the final overs without enough batters set, and the scoreboard pressure proved decisive.

Australia lost this match due to a fragile power play, India’s impactful middle-over spells, and a stalled death-over finish. Chasing 177 was always demanding, but the 32/3 start made recovery unlikely. Gardner’s resistance offered hope, yet partnerships, not individual knocks, define successful chases. In this tightly contested series, correcting early-phase stability will be critical because against disciplined attacks, early collapses rarely allow second chances. 

FAQs

Who won the 3rd T20I between IND-W and AUS-W?

India Women won by 17 runs after defending 176/6 against Australia’s 159/9.

Who was the top scorer in the match?

Smriti Mandhana scored 82 off 55 balls and was named Player of the Match.

Where was the 3rd T20I played?

The match was played in Adelaide on February 21, 2026.

Disclaimer: This Exclusive News is based on the author’s understanding, analysis, and instinct. As you review this information, consider the points mentioned and form your own conclusions.

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