The highly anticipated multi-format showdown between Australia and India women begins on Sunday at the iconic Sydney Cricket Ground, where the first of three T20Is will be played. For Australia, this series signals more than just a return to T20 cricket, as it marks a significant transition in leadership. With Alyssa Healy stepping away from the shortest format, the responsibility now rests with Sophie Molineux, who takes the reins of the T20I side.

Australia have not played a T20I series since their dominant 3-0 sweep of New Zealand in March last year. However, with the next T20 World Cup in England looming in June, this series offers a crucial opportunity to build momentum. India, meanwhile, arrive in Australia brimming with confidence. After converting their ODI World Cup success into the T20 format, they swept Sri Lanka 5-0 in December, overpowering a side led by Chamari Athapaththu. That emphatic series win followed a hard-fought 3-2 win over England across five matches in July. One of the most encouraging signs for India is the return of Shreyanka Patil. After spending 14 months sidelined through injury, she announced her comeback in style during the Women’s Premier League last month and now slots back into the T20I squad.

India have largely stuck with the same group that dismantled Sri Lanka, making only three changes. Among the inclusions is Bharati Fulmali, recalled after nearly six years away from international cricket. There was also a late adjustment to the squad, with backup wicketkeeper Uma Chetry brought in after Gunalan Kamalini was ruled out with a shoulder injury. Notably, India and Australia last crossed paths during the group stage of the 2024 T20 World Cup, where Australia edged India by nine runs.

Head-to-head

Matches - 35

AUS won - 26

IND won - 7

Australia T20I squad: Sophie Molineux (c), Ashleigh Gardner (vc), Tahlia McGrath (vc), Darcie Brown, Nicola Carey, Kim Garth, Grace Harris, Phoebe Litchfield, Beth Mooney, Ellyse Perry, Megan Schutt, Annabel Sutherland, Georgia Voll, Georgia Wareham

India T20I squad: Harmanpreet Kaur (c), Smriti Mandhana (vc), Shafali Verma, Renuka Thakur, Sree Charani, Vaishnavi Sharma, Kranti Gaud, Sneh Rana, Deepti Sharma, Richa Ghosh, Uma Chetry, Arundhati Reddy, Amanjot Kaur, Jemimah Rodrigues, Bharti Fulmali, Shreyanka Patil