AUS-W vs IND-W: Unlucky Meg Lanning gets out hit wicket in 3rd T20I

Australia’s women’s cricket team captain Meg Lanning got out in arguably the most unfortunate manner during the third T20 and final T20I against India at the Carrara Oval in Queensland. The veteran batter, while trying to smash the ball, hit the stumps with the bat and got out hit wicket. The right-handed batter looked absolutely livid with herself as her team was in a critical position  at that juncture of the game.

Hence, her wicket was nothing but a bonus for Team India. Speaking of the bizarre dismissal, it was the seventh over of Australia’s innings and left-arm spinner Rajeshwari Gayakwad was operating with the ball. Gayakwad hit the short length and Lanning went on the backfoot to hit the ball. Unfortunately for Australia, the skipper went too deep in the crease and smashed the stumps with the swing of her blade.

Meg Lanning dislodges the stumps

Earlier in the game, India won the toss and invited the home team to bat first. The decision proved to be fruitful as Australia’s top-order couldn’t come to the party. While opener Beth Mooney held one end, she didn’t get substantial support from other Aussie batters. She built a 39-run stand with skipper Lanning as the home team looked pretty much in command.

However, the Australian captain got out in a bizarre manner and India got the momentum. The likes of Ashleigh Gardner and all-rounder Ellyse Perry also got out on single digits, pushing the Aussies on the backfoot even further. However, Booney got a substantial partner in Tahlia McGrath and the duo are now aiming to take Australia to a substantial total.

As far as India’s bowlers are concerned, Deepti Sharma, Pooja Vastrakar and Renuka Singh were among the wickets besides Gayakwad. However, India can’t afford to put their guards down just yet as they still have to chase down the total.

It also must be noted that Harmanpreet Kaur’s are standing in a do-or-die game. While the first of the three T20Is got washed out due to rain, Australia clinch the following contest by to four wickets. Hence, the visitors need to win this encounter to level the series 1-1 and end the tour on a high note.