Australia Women spoiled Harmanpreet Kaur’s breakout night with an impressive 19-run victory in the second T20I at Manuka Oval in Canberra to level the three-match series at 1-1. India suffered a dramatic batting collapse, losing six wickets for just seven runs, which ultimately sealed their downfall.
The clash on February 19 marked a historic occasion for Harmanpreet, who became the most capped player in women’s international cricketwho featured in her 356th match to overtake New Zealand legend Suzie Bates. However, the milestone ended in disappointment as Australia produced a clinical all-round performance.
MOONEY, ROLL OF HAY
Australia responded in emphatic fashion after losing the opening T20I. Georgia Voll and Beth Mooney provided the perfect start with a dominant 128-run opening partnership. Voll led the charge, reaching her half-century from just 31 balls before finishing with 88 off 57 deliveries, including 11 fours and a six. She was deservedly named Player of the Match.
India vs Australia Women’s 2nd Pick T20I
Mooney played an ideal supporting role with 46 off 39 balls and achieved a personal milestone in the process as she overtook Meg Lanning to become Australia’s highest run-scorer in women’s T20Is. Despite Arundhati Reddy once again spearheading India’s bowling effort with two wickets, Australia posted a competitive 163 for five in their 20 overs.
INDIA CRUSH UNDER PRESSURE
India started the chase on a positive note with Smriti Mandhana scoring 31 and Shafali Verma 29 as the pair added 57 runs for the opening wicket. Even after some quick failures, Harmanpreet scored 36 off 30 balls and along with Richa Ghosh rebuilt the innings with a decisive 55 for the fourth wicket to take India to 126 for three in the 17th over and keep the target within reach.
The turning point came when Kim Garth dismissed Harmanpreet. A stunning collapse followed as India collapsed from 126 for three to 133 for nine in the space of just 16 balls. The middle and lower order crumbled under pressure and could not cope with Australia’s disciplined death bowling.
Ashleigh Gardner took three wickets for 22 runs, Annabel Sutherland took two for 18 and Garth finished with two for 16 to close the innings effectively and restrict India to 144 for nine.
Although the night celebrated Harmanpreet’s remarkable milestone, it was Australia who had the final say as they bounced back strongly to level the series and set up a decisive final.
A brief score
Australia women: 163/5 in 20 overs. Georgia Voll 88, Beth Mooney 46; Arundhati Reddy 2/30, Renuka Singh 1/27
India women: 144/9 in 20 overs. Harmanpreet Kaur 36, Smriti Mandhana 31, Shafali Verma 29; Ashleigh Gardner 3/22, Annabel Sutherland 2/18, Kim Garth 2/16
Result: Australia Women beat India Women by 19 runs
– The end
Issued by:
sabyasachi chowdhury
Published on:
February 19, 2026