Australia v India cricket: All the scores, action and highlights from the second Women’s T20

Tahlia McGrath has guided Australia to victory in the second women’s T20 against India. But everyone is talking about that ball. See it here, plus a full report and scores.

Tayla Vlaeminck returns to boost Australia’s attack. Picture: Jono Searle/Getty Images

Tahlia McGrath scrapped, then steered, Australia to a nail-biting series win over India, but the decisive match may well be remembered for throwing up a contender for ball of the century.

McGrath was the cool head the Aussie’s needed as she hit an unbeaten 42 in just her second T20 international as Australia won the second of two T20s and secured a thrilling multi-format series victory against India.

Set just 119 runs to win on the Gold Coast, Alyssa Healy was the first to fall as Australia began their chase.

But there was absolutely nothing the veteran wicketkeeper could have done to prevent it. Shikha Pandey hit the pitch short of a length and well outside of off, but somehow the ball swung back in to beat the inside edge and take the top of off stump.

Healy walked off shaking her head, as did the rest of the cricket world.

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India’s Shikha Pandey celebrates the wicket of Alyssa Healy. Picture: Chris Hyde/Getty Images

A surprised Healy leaves the field after being dismissed by what was a contender for ball of the centry. Picture: Chris Hyde/Getty Images

Despite the modest target, Australia’s chase wobbled following the dismissals of Meg Lanning, Ashleigh Gardner and Ellyse Perry.

It was danger time when Beth Mooney was stumped on 34, but McGrath wore the pressure to steer her side home by four wickets.

Any hopes India had of replicating the fireworks of their last hit-out were doused by Tayla Vlaeminck, who claimed the wickets of openers Smriti Mandhana and Shafali Verma inside the first three overs.

That set the tone for a completely different bowling performance from Australia after they had few answers for India’s firepower in Thursday night’s washed out opener.

Harmanpreet Kaur hit a quick-fire 28, while wickets continued to fall around her, before she was stumped by Healy.

Tahlia McGrath guided Australia to victorn Saturday night. Picture: Chris Hyde/Getty Images

Then it was the spinners’ turn to suffocate the visitors. Sophie Molineux was just about unplayable as she claimed two wickets for just 11 runs, while Ashleigh Gardner went for 12 runs for her one wicket.

At 8/78, India completely lost their way and it was only thanks to a late cameo from Pooja Vastrakar (37 not out) that the visitor’s made it to three figures.

But, just as they have all series, India pushed Australia right to the end.

BALL OF THE CENTURY?

Healy fell to one of the most extraordinary deliveries. With just her second ball, Shikha Pandey hit the pitch short of a length and well outside off, but somehow the ball swung back in to beat the inside edge and take the top of off stump. How Pandey got such movement will be pondered long and hard, but the delivery will certainly be up there with the very best ever seen in the game.

Unreeeeeeal! 😱 How far did that ball move? #AUSvINDpic.twitter.com/D3g7jqRXWK

— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) October 9, 2021

PERRY LEGACY

Perry became Australia’s most capped player across all formats with 252, surpassing Alex Blackwell’s 251. Blackwell paid tribute to Perry who, incredibly, also played 18 international football matches for the Matildas at the start of her career as a dual international.

“Your contribution has been enormous to Australian sport, but in particular the progress of women’s sport has taken great strides while you’ve been on the field,” Blackwell said.

“Your legacy will be enduring.”

Ellyse Perry at full stretch in the field against India. Picture: Matt Roberts/Getty Images

McGrath puts the nail in the coffin! 🏆

📝 https://t.co/5iVVvuk3rg
📺 #AUSvIND on Ch 501 or stream via @kayosportspic.twitter.com/6tdMKN5vWK

— Fox Cricket (@FoxCricket) October 9, 2021

RESPONSE TO PRESSURE

Australia showed the kind of response that saw it claim the T20 World Cup 18 months ago. After being challenged by India all series, then seeing their bowlers hit to all corners of the park in the washed-out T20 opener on Thursday night, Australia responded by rising above the pressure. The match was virtually won by the end of India’s powerplay, with a near-impeccable bowling and fielding performance from the home side.

Originally published as Australia v India cricket: All the scores, action and highlights from the second Women’s T20