Ellyse Perry stars for Australian women in the final T20I

Australia women clinched the third and final Twenty20 International by 15 runs but visitors India lifted the trophy with a 2-1 series victory at the SCG ahead of the men’s last T20I. Put into bat, Australia posted a total of 136/5 in 20 overs before restricting the Indian side to 121/8.

The home team got a big jolt on the first ball of the match when opener Alyssa Healy, fiance of fast bowler Mitchell Starc, was caught off pacer Jhulan Goswami, later declared Player of the Series. Opening batswoman Beth Mooney (34), skipper Meg Lannig (26) and Ellyse Perry (55 not out) consolidated the innings for Australia thereon, striking significant partnerships.

Perry’s knock, which included four boundaries and three sixes, was instrumental in Australia reaching the respectable total, which eventually they were able to defend comprehensively. Slow left-arm orthodox bowler Rajeshwari Gayakwad was the pick of the Indian bowlers, clinching 2/36 from her four overs while Goswami and debutant Deepti Sharma scalped a wicket each.

In reply, India got off to a decent start with openers Mithali Raj (12) and Vellaswamy Vanitha (28) hitting a 33-partnership. Veda Krishnamurthy (21) and Harmanpreet Kaur (24) also chipped in but the touring team kept losing wickets at regular intervals. Australia did not allow India to strike partnerships, which is crucial in any format of the game.

India, in the end, fell short by 15 runs as Player of the Match Perry picked up four wickets, giving away only 12 runs in her four overs. Rene Farrel also picked up two wickets.

Brief scores:

Australia: 136/5 in 20 overs (Ellyse Perry 55 not out; Rajeshwari Gayakwad 2/36)

India: 121/8 in 20 overs (Vellaswamy Vanitha 28; Ellyse Perry 4/12)

Player of the Match: Ellyse Perry (Australia)

Player of the Series: Jhulan Goswami (India)