Tahlia Wilson’s rapid half-century and a strong middle-order finish secured a tight five-run win for Australia A in the first T20 against India A, despite a stellar innings from Priya Punia.
Wilson scored a quick 50 off 33 balls in a 74-run opening stand with Katie Mack, but Australia A faltered later, losing 5 wickets for 42 runs. Nicole Faltum and Maddy Darke’s late surge, scoring 31 runs off the last two overs, lifted Australia A to a competitive total.
In response, India A struggled to maintain the required run rate. Punia and Tanuja Kanwar added 64 for the third wicket, but Kanwar’s dismissal, smartly stumped by Faltum, left India A needing 64 runs from 33 balls. Despite Punia’s aggressive 77, including seven fours and three sixes, she fell victim to a run-out, and India A’s chase fell short. Left-arm spinner Sophie Day was exceptional, conceding only 19 runs in her four overs and just three runs in her final over.
Australia A set a solid foundation with Wilson’s explosive start, reaching 49 without loss after six overs. However, Saika Ishaque’s double strike—removing Wilson and Mack—along with a first-ball dismissal of McGrath, sparked a fightback for India A. Despite further dismissals of Knott and Flintoff, Darke and Faltum’s late hitting, including three boundaries from Faltum in the final over, ensured a strong finish.
The teams will meet again at Allan Border Field for the second T20 on Friday, followed by the final T20 on Sunday. Three one-dayers are scheduled next week in Mackay, concluding with a four-day game on the Gold Coast.