Fans praise Smriti Mandhan [Source: @Crex_live, @ab4winX/X.com]India Women signed off from a fiercely contested T20I series in style, defeating Australia Women by 17 runs in the third and final match at the Adelaide Oval on February 21. But the star of the show was none other than Smriti Mandhana. The blazing opener’s commanding knock pushed India to a challenging total of 176/6. And the visitors held their nerve with the ball to seal a 2-1 series win. Also Read - India’s Unbeaten Run Halted As Vintage Australia Level T20I Series in CanberraFans go gaga over Smriti MandhanaBatting first, Smriti Mandhana led the charge with a solid 82 off just 55 balls, including 8 fours and 3 sixes. Her knock and 121-run partnership with Jemimah Rodrigues guided India to 176/6.As India restricted Australia to 159 to win the series, fans hailed Mandhana for her purple patch. Since the last four months, Smriti has been in the form of her life.She played a key role in India’s Women’s World Cup title victory by becoming the top run scorer for the team. Moreover, Smriti Mandhana captained RCB to their second WPL title just a month ago while being the Orange Cap holder.Now, in the series decider T20I against Australia, Mandhana not only played a decisive knock but also won the Player of the Series award.The victory sparked celebrations as fans praised Mandhana’s composure and the team’s fighting spirit. They hailed her form and prayed for the 2026 season to be her best year on the field.Amit Dhanda @amitdhanda04 Smriti Mandhana in Australia is just a different beast! 👸🏏 💥 82 runs (55 balls) 💥 Highest T20I score by an Indian in Australia 💥 India’s first T20I series win Down Under in 10 years! Elegant as ever, dominant as always. The Queen of Adelaide today! 🇮🇳🔥 #SmritiMandhana Ashwini_Ab @ab4winX @CricCrazyJohns She was cheated on but instead of breaking down she answered with a trophy. Huge respect for her resilience and strength. 🏆🔥 Chhinderpal Singh Gill @WitWicket @CricCrazyJohns Smriti Mandhana said 2026 is MY YEAR and meant every word 🙌🏻 . @distantdeadstar @mufaddal_vohra Is she Indian women cricket team legend already? Prince of Blue @SujanDey144674 @mufaddal_vohra FEMALE VK Feb 21, 2026, 3:11 PM Smriti Mandhana set the tone of India’s inningsIndia’s innings revolved around Smriti Mandhana, who produced one of her finest T20I knocks in recent times. The stylish left-hander struck 82 from 55 balls. She found the boundary regularly, hitting eight fours and three sixes, and ensured India maintained momentum after an early setback. Shafali Verma fell cheaply, but Mandhana did not allow Australia to take control. Jemimah Rodrigues complemented her well with a good 59 off 46 balls. The two batted well together to help India lay the foundation for a good total. Richa Ghosh then struck the late fire, scoring 18 off just seven balls to propel India to 176/6.Australia collapsed in the chaseMeanwhile, Australia started the chase with aggression but lost wickets at crucial moments. The early dismissals kept India on top as Beth Mooney and Ellyse Perry were back in the pavilion without making any substantial contributions.Phoebe Litchfield tried to start a counterattack, but the Indian bowlers were not letting her off. Ashleigh Gardner played a dogged knock, scoring 57 off 45 balls. But she did not get any support from the other end.Shreyanka Patil turned the tide in favour of India with a smart spell of 3 for 22. Shree Charani also picked three wickets, striking at crucial moments to halt the Australian charge.Arundhati Reddy and Renuka Thakur chipped in with timely breakthroughs. The collective effort ensured Australia were restricted to 159/9, falling short by 17 runs.Also Read - Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad, Pitch Report, Weather Report For IND Vs SA- Super 8 Match 3, T20 World Cup 2026
