Arundhati Reddy produced another career-best performance in Australia as India women's cricket team defeated Australia women's cricket team in a rain-shortened first T20I at Sydney Cricket Ground.
Reddy returned figures of 4 for 22 as Australia were bowled out for 133, triggering a dramatic collapse after the hosts had appeared well set at 68 for 2. The turning point came when captain Harmanpreet Kaur held a superb catch in the deep to dismiss Ellyse Perry off Reddy’s bowling. From that moment, Australia lost 8 for 65, with the last five wickets tumbling for just 12 runs.
Reddy’s spell marked her second consecutive career-best haul in Australia, following her 4 for 26 in an ODI at the WACA in 2024. She again dismantled the top order with sharp pace and intelligent use of length, continuing a pattern of success on Australian pitches she clearly relishes.
India’s dominance was reinforced by Renuka Singh, who bowled three successive powerplay overs including a maiden to Phoebe Litchfield, ensuring early pressure. Australia never fully recovered despite a brief middle-order stand.
Chasing 134, India were comfortably ahead of the DLS target when rain halted play shortly after the minimum five overs were completed, sealing a 1-0 lead in the T20I series.
Riding the confidence of their recent ODI World Cup triumph, India now have a chance to clinch the T20I leg of the tour in Canberra. With belief growing and momentum on their side, they have made an emphatic statement on Australian soil once again.
