A career-best knock from India’s vice-captain, Smriti Mandhana followed by stifling bowling from their spinners was enough to flatten Australia yesterday by 38 runs and propel the subcontinent powerhouse to the top of Group B in the Women’s World T20 tournament.
Playing in front of a large contingent of fans at the Providence Stadium, India made 167-8 from 20 overs while Australia were contained to 119-9 with their in-form batter, Alyssa Healy injured and not batting.
With both teams having already qualified for the semi-finals, India began their innings with Mandhana opening with Taniya Bhatia as Mithali Raj sat out the match. Bhatia’s poor form continued with Meg Lanning taking a superb catch to end her misery.
