Veteran wicketkeeper-batter Beth Mooney has officially overtaken former captain Meg Lanning to become the leading run-scorer for the Australia Women’s cricket team in T20 Internationals. Mooney reached this significant milestone during the second T20I of a three-match series against India, which is captained by Harmanpreet Kaur, played at the Manuka Oval.

In the game, Mooney scored 46 runs, bringing her total T20I runs to 3,432 in 114 matches and 108 innings, achieving an impressive average of 41.85. Her career highlights include two centuries and 27 half-centuries. Lanning, who now ranks second, has accumulated 3,405 runs over 132 matches and 121 innings, with an average of 36.61, also including two centuries and 15 half-centuries.

Australia Secures Victory Against India

A comprehensive bowling effort enabled the Australia Women to secure a 19-run victory over India in the second T20I, leveling the series at 1-1. The home team displayed superiority with both bat and ball, managing to take control of the match effectively. Georgia Voll, who was a standout performer, was named Player of the Match after scoring 88 runs and sharing a crucial partnership with Mooney.

Australia took to the crease first, with opener Georgia Voll leading the charge. She played a remarkable innings of 88 runs off 57 balls, which included 11 fours and one six. The Australian team eventually set a target of 163 for India, scoring 163 runs for the loss of 5 wickets in their allotted 20 overs. For India, bowlers Renuka Singh Thakur and Arundhati Reddy contributed with figures of 1/27 and 2/30, respectively.

India’s Chase and Bowling Performance

In response to the target of 164, Indian openers Shafali Verma and Smriti Mandhana managed to establish a partnership of 57 runs for the first wicket. Verma scored 29 runs off 23 balls with five boundaries, while Mandhana added 31 runs off 24 balls, also hitting four fours. However, both batsmen could not convert their starts into substantial scores. Captain Harmanpreet Kaur was dismissed after scoring 36 runs from 30 balls, hitting five fours along the way.

The Indian batting lineup struggled as Jemimah Rodrigues, Amanjot Kaur, and Deepti Sharma all had disappointing outings, with India finishing their innings at 144 runs for 9 wickets in 20 overs. Australia’s bowling attack was led by Ashleigh Gardner, who claimed three wickets for 22 runs. Kim Garth, Annabel Sutherland, and captain Sophie Molineux each took two wickets, contributing to Australia’s successful defense of their total.

Looking Ahead to the Final Match

Previously in the series, the Indian team won the opening T20I on February 15 by 21 runs using the DLS method. The final match of the three-match series is scheduled to take place on February 21 at the Adelaide Oval in Adelaide.

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