Australia Women Edge India Women by 3 Runs in High-Scoring Thriller – AUSW 217/4 Hold Off INDW at 214 All Out

By: CTN World Editorial Team

On: February 24, 2026 9:37 AM

Australia Women and India Women players discuss on the field during a high-scoring T20 match decided by just three runs
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In a gripping encounter between Australia Women and India Women, fans witnessed a true high-scoring thriller as AUSW posted 217/4 in 38.2 overs, and INDW fell just short at 214 all out in 48.3 overs. The match had everything — captain’s knocks, quick cameos, tight bowling spells, and late drama.

This contest once again highlighted why India Women vs Australia Women matches are among the most competitive battles in women’s cricket.

Key Highlights

  • Australia Women won by 3 runs in a nail-biting finish.
  • AUSW 217/4 (38.2 overs) – Strong batting display.
  • Beth Mooney 76 (79 balls) – Match-defining knock.
  • Alyssa Healy 50 – Solid start at the top.
  • Annabel Sutherland 48* – Crucial late acceleration.
  • INDW 214 all out (48.3 overs) – Fell short despite strong fight.
  • Smriti Mandhana 58 (68 balls) – Elegant and steady innings.
  • Harmanpreet Kaur 53 (84 balls) – Captain’s knock under pressure.
  • Kashvee Gautam 43 (44 balls) – Explosive late cameo with 3 sixes.
  • Ashleigh Gardner 3/33 – Game-changing bowling spell.

Australia Women Post 217/4 – Beth Mooney Leads the Charge

Batting first, Australia Women built a strong total of 217/4 with steady partnerships and smart stroke play.

Key Performers – AUSW Batting

  • Beth Mooney (76 off 79 balls) – 5 fours, 2 sixes
  • Alyssa Healy (50 off 70 balls)
  • Annabel Sutherland (48 off 44 balls)*
  • Phoebe Litchfield (32 off 32 balls)

Mooney anchored the innings with calm control. She rotated strike well and punished loose deliveries. Her partnership with Healy gave Australia a stable base.

After Healy’s dismissal, Sutherland accelerated in the death overs. Her unbeaten 48 ensured Australia crossed the 200-run mark comfortably.

The Indian bowlers tried to pull things back in the middle overs. Shree Charani was the standout with 2 wickets for 41 runs in 9 overs. Kranti Gaud and Deepti Sharma chipped in with one wicket each.

Still, the Australian batting depth proved decisive.

India Women’s Chase – Mandhana and Harmanpreet Fight Hard

Chasing 218 for victory, India needed a steady start. However, early wickets created pressure.

INDW Top Contributions

  • Smriti Mandhana – 58 off 68 balls (7 fours)
  • Harmanpreet Kaur – 53 off 84 balls
  • Kashvee Gautam – 43 off 44 balls (3 fours, 3 sixes)
  • Richa Ghosh – 23 off 38 balls

Mandhana looked in superb touch. Her cover drives and timing kept the scoreboard moving. She built a crucial stand with captain Harmanpreet Kaur.

Harmanpreet played a captain’s innings, focusing on stability. But the required run rate slowly climbed.

After Mandhana’s dismissal, the pressure increased. Kashvee Gautam injected momentum with a fearless knock, smashing three sixes. Her late attack brought India very close to the target.

Despite the effort, India were bowled out for 214, falling short by just 3 run.

Australia’s Bowling – Ashleigh Gardner Makes the Difference

Australia’s bowling unit showed discipline under pressure.

Key Bowling Figures – AUSW

  • Ashleigh Gardner – 3 wickets for 33 runs (7 overs)
  • Megan Schutt – 2/42 (9 overs)
  • Alana King – 1/43 (10 overs)
  • Sophie Molineux – 1/17 (5 overs)

Gardner was the game-changer. She removed key batters at crucial moments. Her spell in the middle overs slowed India’s chase and created breakthroughs.

Schutt’s experience also played a major role. She kept things tight and picked up important wickets.

Turning Points of the Match

  1. Beth Mooney’s 76 – Anchored the Australian innings.
  2. Gardner’s triple strike – Broke India’s middle order.
  3. Kashvee Gautam’s late assault – Nearly turned the match around.
  4. India’s lower-order collapse – Lost momentum in final overs.

In such close contests, small moments make a huge difference.

What This Means for the Series

This victory gives Australia strong momentum. Their balanced squad once again showed why they remain one of the top teams in women’s cricket.

India, despite the loss, will take positives from Mandhana’s form and the all-round fight shown by the middle order.

For more detailed cricket match coverage, you can also read our full breakdown of another thrilling contest here:

CTN World Editorial Team

CTN World Editorial Team is a collective of writers, editors, and researchers contributing to CTN World. The team focuses on delivering accurate, timely, and clearly explained news, guided by editorial standards that prioritize factual reporting, clarity, and responsible journalism.
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