India will need its batting line-up to fire collectively when it takes on a charged Australia in the third and final women’s T20I in Adelaide on Saturday.

The Women in Blue know the significance of a series triumph Down Under — a feat they last achieved in 2016.

The second T20I in Canberra once again showcased the bowling attack’s fighting spirit. With Australia cruising at 128 for no loss, India pulled things back to restrict the host to 163 for five. However, the batting effort fell short, ending in a collapse during what looked a manageable chase.

While Smriti Mandhana and Shafali Verma got starts, they will need to convert them into substantial scores and strengthen the innings, with greater support from the middle order.

Skipper Harmanpreet Kaur, Jemimah Rodrigues and Richa Ghosh enjoy pace on the ball and can expect some assistance in Adelaide. However, the true surface also places responsibility on the Indian pacers — Renuka Singh, Arundhati Reddy, Kranti Gaud and Amanjot Kaur — to maintain disciplined lines.

India’s seamers must halt the in-form Georgia Voll early, while spinners Deepti Sharma and Sree Charani will need to control the middle overs.

Containing the power-hitting Annabel Sutherland and Ashleigh Gardner, along with the inventive Phoebe Litchfield, after the Powerplay will also be crucial.

(With inputs from PTI)

Published on Feb 20, 2026