In a thrilling battle at the Dr. DY Patil Sports Academy, the Australia Women's team secured a commanding victory against India Women in the T20 series, winning by 6 wickets with 6 balls to spare. Opting to bowl first, Australia's Kim Garth's stellar performance of 2/27 (4) restricted India to 130/8 in 20 overs. Deepti Sharma's 30 (27) and Richa Ghosh's 23 (19) were the top contributors for India. In response, Australia successfully chased down the target in 19 overs, with Ellyse Perry's unbeaten 34 (21) guiding their victory. Kim Garth was named Player of the Match for her impactful performance, setting the stage for an exciting decider in the T20 series.  

3 things you need to know 

• India women's team lost to Australia by 6 wickets and 6 balls to spare 
• India vs Australia series is tied 1-1
• The 3rd and final will be played on Tuesday, January 9th 2024

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Dodda Ganesh critiques Harmanpreet Kaur after she remarks on the loss 

Former bowler Dodda Ganesh criticised India skipper Harmanpreet Kaur following the team's defeat to Australia in the second T20I on January 7.

The Australia Women's cricket team won the heated encounter, tying the three-match series at 1-1. Deepti Sharma's efforts helped India reach 130 despite early losses, including Shafali Verma's departure in the second over.

Australia put the pressure on Indian bowlers with good performances from openers Alyssa Healy and Beth Mooney, as well as an important combination between Ellyse Perry and Tahlia McGrath and contributions from Phoebe Litchfield. The game's climax happened in Shreyanka Patil's last over, where Australia required 15 runs from 12 balls.

Litchfield expertly scooped Patil's full toss for a four, clearing the way for Perry to seal the victory in her 300th international match, with Australia completing the game with six wickets in hand.

Following the match, Harmanpreet claimed that the outcome would have been different if Shreyanka had been more precise in the 19th over. Harmanpreet Kaur said: 

“[While Bowling] we were getting those opportunities and taking wickets in the middle, that's a positive. If Shreyanka was on target in the 19th over, things would have been different but these close games help to identify areas to improve.”

“We have played these games a lot of time but this time we have a few new faces, this young side is looking very positive and I'm sure they will keep improving.”

In response to X, the ex-pacer remarked that it was unfair for the Indian captain to blame the team's failure on a 19-year-old. Dodda Ganesh tweeted: 

"Throwing a 19yo kid under the bus is not done,"

The series will be decided in the third and final T20I match on January 9 at the Dr. DY Patil Sports Academy in Navi Mumbai.