Australia Women vs India Women 2nd T20I 2026 delivered pure T20 drama under the Canberra floodlights on February 19, 2026. New Australia captain Sophie Molineux needed a big response after India’s DLS win in Sydney four days earlier. Her team answered with fire.
Georgia Voll, the 22-year-old Queensland opener stepping into Alyssa Healy’s shoes, produced a career-best 88 off just 57 balls. Beth Mooney added a calm 46, and the pair built a massive 128-run opening stand – the highest ever by Australia Women against India in T20Is.
Australia posted 163 for 5. India flew out of the blocks with 54 for 0 in the powerplay, but then collapsed dramatically, losing six wickets for just seven runs in the death overs. Ashleigh Gardner’s clever 3 for 22 and smart captaincy from Molineux sealed a 19-run win. The three-match T20I series is now level at 1-1, with the decider set for Adelaide on Saturday.
For Australian fans, this was the perfect bounce-back. For Indian supporters, it was a reminder of how quickly T20 cricket can turn. The multi-format tour (T20Is, ODIs and a Test) suddenly feels wide open again.
The match at Manuka Oval (capacity 13,550) was broadcast live on Star Sports Network and streamed on JioHotstar in India. Umpires Eloise Sheridan and Kim Cotton stood in the middle, with Phillip Gillespie as third umpire.
Pre-Match Build-Up, Toss & Pitch Report
India had won the rain-hit first T20I by 21 runs (DLS method) at the SCG. New Australia captain Sophie Molineux faced early questions. Her side was outplayed in Sydney, and critics wondered if the transition after Alyssa Healy’s retirement would be smooth.
India’s captain Harmanpreet Kaur arrived in Canberra full of confidence. She won the toss and chose to bowl first – a brave call on a flat pitch that promised big scores. Many Indian fans cheered the decision, expecting early swing and dew later to help the chase.
Manuka Oval’s pitch was true and offered good carry. The square boundaries are short, especially at the Pool End and Mall End. History shows high-scoring T20Is here, though Australia had won the only previous women’s T20I at the venue (by 4 wickets in 2020). Dew was expected in the second innings, making batting second tricky.
Australia kept the same XI that lost in Sydney – no room for veteran Megan Schutt or vice-captain Tahlia McGrath. India brought in all-rounder Amanjot Kaur as their only change.
Fans on both sides were buzzing. Australian supporters wanted revenge and a first win under Molineux. Indian fans hoped their top order would fire and seal the series early. The stage was set for a classic.
Australia Women Batting – Voll’s Masterclass & Record Partnership
Australia Women vs India Women 2nd T20I 2026 began with India’s bowlers on top for two overs – just eight runs scored. Then Georgia Voll took charge.
The young right-hander walked out with purpose. She treated the Indian attack like a WPL final. Voll scored 36 of Australia’s 48 powerplay runs. Her first boundary came in the third over, but she exploded in the fifth, smashing Amanjot Kaur down the ground.
By the end of the powerplay, Australia were 48 for 0. Voll had already looked unstoppable. Beth Mooney played the perfect supporting role at the other end, rotating strike and keeping the scoreboard ticking.
Voll reached her fifty off just 31 balls – eight fours flying to every corner. She brought up Australia’s first six of the series with a clean slog-sweep off left-arm spinner Shree Charani that sailed over deep midwicket.
The opening stand grew and grew. At 13 overs, Australia were 114 for 0 and eyeing 200. Voll and Mooney had put on 128 runs in 89 balls – smashing the previous Australia vs India record of 115 set by Mooney and Healy in the 2020 World Cup final at the MCG.
Mooney became Australia’s all-time leading T20I run-scorer during her 46, overtaking Meg Lanning’s 3,405 runs. She reached 3,432 before holing out to mid-on off Arundhati Reddy in the 15th over.
Voll kept going. She hit 11 fours and one six in total, playing shots all around the ground. But India fought back brilliantly after the powerplay. Arundhati Reddy, who took 4 for 22 in Sydney, returned and yorked Voll in the 17th over for 88. The young star walked off to huge applause.
From 141 for 2, Australia lost momentum. Phoebe Litchfield made 6 before a sharp catch by Smriti Mandhana. Ellyse Perry was run out for 7, and Georgia Wareham suffered another run-out on the last ball. Australia finished with just 24 runs from the final four overs.
Still, 163 for 5 was a fighting total on a good batting surface. Voll’s knock had set the platform.
Australia Women Batting Scorecard Table
| Batter | Runs | Balls | 4s | 6s | SR | How Out |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Georgia Voll | 88 | 57 | 11 | 1 | 154.39 | c Amanjot b Arundhati Reddy |
| Beth Mooney (wk) | 46 | 39 | 4 | 0 | 117.95 | c Shafali b Arundhati Reddy |
| Phoebe Litchfield | 6 | 5 | 1 | 0 | 120.00 | c Mandhana b Renuka Singh |
| Ellyse Perry | 7 | 10 | 0 | 0 | 70.00 | run out |
| Ashleigh Gardner | 10 | 9 | 1 | 0 | 111.11 | not out |
| Georgia Wareham | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | – | run out |
| Extras | 6 | – | – | – | – | (lb 4, w 2) |
| Total | 163/5 | 20 | – | – | 8.15 | – |
Powerplay Table
Mandatory Powerplay (0.1-6.0 overs): 48 runs, 0 wickets
Partnership Table
1st wicket: Voll & Mooney – 128 runs (89 balls)
2nd wicket: Voll & Litchfield – 13 runs (10 balls)
3rd wicket: Litchfield & Perry – 4 runs (5 balls)
4th wicket: Perry & Gardner – 18 runs (15 balls)
5th wicket: Gardner & Wareham – 0 runs (1 ball)
India Women Bowling Performance
India’s bowlers started well but struggled against Voll’s power. Renuka Singh Thakur bowled tightly, finishing with 1 for 27 in four overs. Kranti Gaud and Amanjot Kaur leaked runs in the middle overs.
The star was Arundhati Reddy again. After her match-winning 4 for 22 in Sydney, she came back with 2 for 30. She dismissed both openers and bowled brilliant yorkers in the death. Many fans called her India’s best performer with the ball.
Deepti Sharma and Shree Charani kept things tidy but couldn’t take wickets. Shafali Verma bowled one over for six runs. Overall, India restricted Australia from a bigger total – a big positive after the 114 for 0 start.
India Women Innings – Flying Start & Dramatic Collapse
India Women vs Australia Women 2nd T20I 2026 chase started like a dream. Shafali Verma smashed three boundaries in the first two overs. Smriti Mandhana joined the party, hitting three classy fours off Darcie Brown in the fifth over.
The openers raced to 54 for 0 in six overs – ahead of Australia at the same stage. Indian fans were roaring. The required rate looked comfortable.
Then Sophie Molineux changed everything. In the seventh over, she trapped Shafali lbw for 29. India reviewed, but three reds confirmed the decision.
Jemimah Rodrigues lasted only four balls before Ashleigh Gardner had her caught at long-on. Smriti Mandhana made 31 before a brilliant review by Australia showed a faint edge down the leg side off Kim Garth. The big screen showed the spike, and Mandhana walked back at 71 for 3.
Harmanpreet Kaur and Richa Ghosh steadied the ship with a 55-run fourth-wicket stand. Harmanpreet hit five boundaries in her 36. At 126 for 4 in the 17th over, India still had hope.
Then Kim Garth bowled a clever slower ball that Harmanpreet miscued to cover. The collapse began. Richa Ghosh was stumped off Gardner for 19. Deepti Sharma skied one to mid-off for a duck. Arundhati Reddy gloved a scoop to Mooney. Amanjot Kaur was clean bowled trying a scoop. Shree Charani holed out to long-on. India lost six wickets for seven runs and finished at 144 for 9.
India Women Batting Scorecard Table
| Batter | Runs | Balls | 4s | 6s | SR | How Out |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Shafali Verma | 29 | 23 | 5 | 0 | 126.09 | lbw b Molineux |
| Smriti Mandhana | 31 | 24 | 4 | 0 | 129.17 | c Mooney b Garth |
| Jemimah Rodrigues | 4 | 6 | 0 | 0 | 66.67 | c Sutherland b Gardner |
| Harmanpreet Kaur (c) | 36 | 30 | 5 | 0 | 120.00 | c Molineux b Garth |
| Richa Ghosh (wk) | 19 | 20 | 3 | 0 | 95.00 | st Mooney b Gardner |
| Amanjot Kaur | 3 | 6 | 0 | 0 | 50.00 | b Sutherland |
| Deepti Sharma | 0 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0.00 | c Sutherland b Gardner |
| Arundhati Reddy | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 100.00 | c Mooney b Sutherland |
| Kranti Gaud | 12 | 5 | 1 | 1 | 240.00 | not out |
| Shree Charani | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0.00 | c Perry b Molineux |
| Renuka Singh Thakur | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 100.00 | not out |
| Extras | 7 | – | – | – | – | (lb 3, w 4) |
| Total | 144/9 | 20 | – | – | 7.20 | – |
Powerplay Table
Mandatory Powerplay (0.1-6.0 overs): 54 runs, 0 wickets
Fall of Wickets Table (India)
1-57 (Shafali, 6.4 ov)
2-65 (Rodrigues, 8.2 ov)
3-71 (Mandhana, 9.4 ov)
4-126 (Harmanpreet, 16.5 ov)
5-128 (Ghosh, 17.3 ov)
6-128 (Deepti, 17.5 ov)
7-131 (Reddy, 18.2 ov)
8-132 (Amanjot, 18.6 ov)
9-133 (Charani, 19.3 ov)
ESPNcricinfo match report.
Australia Women Bowling Masterclass
Australia’s bowlers showed why they are world champions. Sophie Molineux started the fightback with the Shafali wicket. Ashleigh Gardner was brilliant – 4 overs, 22 runs, 3 wickets, economy 5.50. She broke the middle order and stumped Ghosh beautifully.
Kim Garth took 2 for 16 in three overs, including the vital Harmanpreet wicket and the reviewed Mandhana catch. Annabel Sutherland bowled four overs for just 18 runs and two wickets, using variations perfectly in the death.
The fielding was sharp, and the two successful reviews (Mandhana and earlier decisions) showed excellent captaincy from Molineux. Australia used cutters, slower balls and yorkers to defend 163 on a flat pitch.
Key Moments, Turning Points & Match Highlights
- Voll and Mooney’s 128-run stand – record breaker.
- Molineux’s lbw on Shafali in the 7th over – momentum shift.
- Successful review for Mandhana’s dismissal – game-changer.
- Garth dismissing Harmanpreet at 126 for 4.
- India’s 6 wickets for 7 runs collapse – heartbreaking for fans.
- Voll’s first six of the series.
- Mooney breaking Lanning’s run record.
- Gardner’s three wickets in the middle and death.
These moments turned a potential India win into an Australia victory.
Player of the Match, Top Performances & Records Broken
Player of the Match: Georgia Voll – 88 off 57 balls. Her knock set up the win and showed she belongs at the top.
Top Performances (out of 10)
- Georgia Voll: 9.5
- Ashleigh Gardner: 9.0
- Sophie Molineux (captaincy + bowling): 8.5
- Beth Mooney: 8.0
- Arundhati Reddy: 8.0
- Kim Garth: 8.0
Records Broken
- Highest opening stand AUSW vs INDW in T20Is: 128 (Voll-Mooney)
- Georgia Voll’s highest T20I score: 88
- Beth Mooney becomes Australia’s all-time leading T20I run-scorer (3,432 runs)
- First win for Sophie Molineux as Australia T20I captain
Post-Match Reactions & Quotes
Sophie Molineux (Australia captain):
“It was a good game. Volly set it up really well for us, and India came hard like we knew they were going to and we held our nerves, which was great. We learned from the first game… we held in for as long as possible. You could really feel it, it started to get really quiet around the ground, and we went the other way and attacked them.”
Harmanpreet Kaur (India captain):
“We were looking for runs that time but it happens when you’re looking for runs, sometimes you collapse. While batting we should have taken some more responsibility. Smriti and I, my partnership was very important. That was the turning point. Today was the first time we were batting and now we know the pitch and hopefully we’ll plan better in the next innings.”
Georgia Voll (Player of the Match):
“It’s obviously nice to contribute to the team… after the game the other night in Sydney, we were looking to come back and really dominate this game… Sophie did a great job tonight, led us really well and just told us to keep sticking in there.”
These honest words showed the respect between the two teams.
Tactical & Expert Analysis
Molineux used her reviews perfectly – the Mandhana decision was worth its weight in gold. She rotated bowlers smartly and kept the field tight when India threatened. Australia’s death bowling variations (cutters from Garth and Sutherland) were textbook.
India’s top order looked brilliant, but the middle order lacked the big shots needed on a flat pitch. The collapse from 126 for 4 to 144 for 9 highlighted a need for better death-over planning.
Arundhati Reddy’s yorkers showed India can fight back with the ball. But the batting fragility once the openers fell remains a concern.
Series Implications & Look Ahead to Adelaide Decider
The T20I series is now 1-1. The multi-format points table is also level. Whoever wins in Adelaide on Saturday will take the T20I trophy and huge momentum into the ODIs (starting February 24 in Brisbane) and the historic Test in Perth.
Australia will likely stick with the same winning XI. India may look at freshening the bowling attack or giving more responsibility to the middle order.
Adelaide Oval promises another packed crowd and another cracking contest. Can India bounce back? Or will Australia’s new captain lead them to series glory? Cricket fans cannot wait.
Detailed Scorecard Tables + Stats Breakdown
Australia Women vs India Women 2nd T20I 2026 Australia Women Bowling Table
| Bowler | Overs | Maidens | Runs | Wickets | Economy |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ashleigh Gardner | 4 | 0 | 22 | 3 | 5.50 |
| Kim Garth | 3 | 0 | 16 | 2 | 5.33 |
| Annabel Sutherland | 4 | 0 | 18 | 2 | 4.50 |
| Sophie Molineux | 4 | 0 | 37 | 2 | 9.25 |
India Women Bowling Table (as above)
Overall Stats Comparison
| Parameter | Australia | India |
|---|---|---|
| Total Runs | 163 | 144 |
| Run Rate | 8.15 | 7.20 |
| Powerplay Runs | 48 | 54 |
| Boundaries (4s+6s) | 18 | 19 |
| Dot Ball % | 29% | 42% |
| Highest Partnership | 128 | 55 |
Historical Note: This was Australia’s biggest win against India at Manuka Oval in women’s T20Is.
Conclusion & Fan CTA
Australia Women vs India Women 2nd T20I 2026 will be remembered for Georgia Voll’s explosive 88 and Australia’s fighting spirit under new captain Sophie Molineux. India showed fight but paid the price for a late collapse.
The series is beautifully poised. The decider in Adelaide on Saturday will decide the T20I winner and set the tone for the rest of this huge 2026 tour.
Australian fans – what a way to bounce back! Indian fans – your team has the talent to turn it around.
Who do you think will win the third T20I? Drop your thoughts in the comments below. Share this article with your cricket group and follow IPL Star for more detailed match reports, player interviews and tour updates.
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FAQs: Australia Women vs India Women 2nd T20I 2026
1. Who won the Australia Women vs India Women 2nd T20I 2026? Australia Women won the Australia Women vs India Women 2nd T20I 2026 by 19 runs at Manuka Oval on 19 February 2026. Georgia Voll’s explosive 88 powered the hosts to 163/5 before Ashleigh Gardner’s 3/22 and clinical death bowling triggered India’s collapse. The result levelled the T20I series 1-1.
2. What was Georgia Voll’s score in AUSW vs INDW 2nd T20I 2026? Georgia Voll smashed a career-best 88 off 57 balls (11 fours, 1 six) in the Australia Women vs India Women 2nd T20I 2026. Her dominant knock, combined with Beth Mooney’s 46, created a record 128-run opening stand – the highest ever by Australia Women against India in T20Is.
3. How did Sophie Molineux secure her first win as captain in Australia Women vs India Women 2nd T20I 2026? New Australia captain Sophie Molineux claimed her maiden victory in the Australia Women vs India Women 2nd T20I 2026 with smart captaincy, perfect DRS usage (Mandhana review) and her own 2/37. She led from the front after the Sydney loss, helping Australia level the series 1-1.
4. Why did India suffer a batting collapse in AUSW vs INDW 2nd T20I 2026? India lost 6 wickets for just 7 runs in the death overs of the Australia Women vs India Women 2nd T20I 2026 after a flying 54/0 powerplay. Kim Garth’s slower ball removed Harmanpreet Kaur (36) at 126/4, triggering the dramatic India Women batting collapse Canberra 2026.
5. What is the highest opening stand in AUSW vs INDW T20I history from the 2nd T20I 2026? Georgia Voll and Beth Mooney posted 128 runs in 89 balls – the highest opening stand AUSW vs INDW in T20Is – during the Australia Women vs India Women 2nd T20I 2026, breaking the previous 115-run record set by Mooney & Healy in the 2020 World Cup final.
6. Who was Player of the Match in Australia Women vs India Women 2nd T20I 2026? Georgia Voll was named Player of the Match for her match-defining 88 in the Australia Women vs India Women 2nd T20I 2026. Her innings set up Australia’s total and earned her 9.5/10 in expert ratings.
7. How many wickets did Ashleigh Gardner take in AUSW vs INDW 2nd T20I 2026? Ashleigh Gardner picked up 3 wickets for 22 runs (economy 5.50) in the Australia Women vs India Women 2nd T20I 2026, dismantling India’s middle order and finishing the chase with clinical variations.
8. What was Arundhati Reddy’s contribution in Australia Women vs India Women 2nd T20I 2026? Arundhati Reddy took 2/30 and restricted Australia from 114/0 to 163/5 in the Australia Women vs India Women 2nd T20I 2026, backing up her 4/22 in Sydney with yorkers and slower balls.
9. How did the Manuka Oval pitch behave in AUSW vs INDW 2nd T20I 2026? The Manuka Oval T20I pitch report 2026 described a flat, true surface with short square boundaries and good carry. Dew later assisted the chase, but Australia’s death bowling variations proved decisive in the Australia Women vs India Women 2nd T20I 2026.
10. What is the current T20I series score after Australia Women vs India Women 2nd T20I 2026? The T20I series is now level at 1-1 after the Australia Women vs India Women 2nd T20I 2026 result. The decider in Adelaide on Saturday will decide the series winner and set the tone for the multi-format tour.