Twitter Reactions: All-round Australia seal 3rd T20I to win multi-format series against India

Australia continued to dominate India in the third T20I as they beat the visitors by 14 runs at Carrara Oval on Sunday (October 10). It was again India’s familiar nemesis Tahlia McGrath, who yet again was pivotal in the hosts’ 2-0 series victory in the three-match T20I series against India. This time the Australian all-rounder scored an unbeaten 44 runs off just 31 balls and took the side to 149.

McGarth was well-supported by opener Beth Mooney, whose 61 runs laid the foundation of this brilliant victory. India’s decision to field first after winning the toss came back to haunt them. It was the familiar collapse in the run-chase, which brought the team’s downfall. Chasing 150 runs to level the T20I series, India lost opener Shafali Verma early for just one run. Jemimah Rodrigues tried to consolidate along with Smriti Mandhana but she had to be satisfied with only 23 runs as Georgia Wareham got the better of her for 23 runs.

India still had hopes with Mandhana going great guns at one end, she reached yet another fifty and was looking set to anchor the run-chase before she departed for 52. The vice-captain’s wicket triggered a collapse of sorts. Richa Ghosh demonstrated her hitting prowess towards the fag end of the run-chase but in the end, the task was improbable as India fell short by 14 runs.

Beth Mooney and Tahlia McGrath’s blitz propel Australia to 149

Pacer Renuka Singh had a memorable maiden wicket to remember as she got better of Alyssa Healy for just four runs. Skipper Meg Lanning and Mooney steadied the ship before the former was out hit wicket off Rajeshwari Gayakwad’s bowling. India managed to chip in with two more wickets and harbored hopes of restricting the hosts to below 120.

McGarth though had other plans with Mooney playing the sheet anchor’s role to perfection. The all-rounder started to attack from the onset. She took a special liking to India’s spin twins Gayakwad and Deepti Sharma and was only dealing with fours and sixes. She formed a crucial 44 runs partnership with Mooney and took Australia to a challenging score, which proved just enough in the end.

McGrath’s career breakthrough series earned her a player of the series award. Australia sealed the multi-format series with 11 points. Meanwhile, India finished with five points.

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