Cross-code star Ellyse Perry has starred with bat and ball to propel Australia to a confidence-boosting 15-run win over India in the third and final Twenty20 International at the SCG.
Perry made her presence felt, hitting an unbeaten half-century and taking 4-21 to prevent the tourists from completing a 3-0 series sweep over the reigning world champions on their home soil.
After choosing to turn out for the Southern Stars over representing Sydney FC in Sunday’s W-League grand final, Perry hit 55 off 41 balls as Australia posted 5-136.
India appeared to be heading towards victory after strong contributions from VR Vanitha (28 off 25), Veda Krishnamurthy (21 off 21) and Harmanprett Kaur (24 off 17) at the top of the order.
Perry then imposed herself on the game again, removing Kaur, Patil Anuja and Jhahulan Goswami in the space of three overs to halt India’s momentum as they reached 8-121 from their 20 overs.
Smriti Mandhama put in a brave effort, coming out to bat after leaving the field with a shoulder injury during Australia’s innings, before Perry dismissed her for 14.
Earlier, Australia were heading towards a lacklustre total until Perry unleashed in the final few overs.
After being sent in to bat by the Indians, Australia could not have had a worse start, with Alyssa Healy out on the first ball to Jhulan Goswami.
Beth Mooney (34 off 34) and Meg Lanning (26 off 25) helped consolidate the Southern Stars’ innings but neither went on with their starts.
The Australians lost 3-28 in the middle overs before Perry pushed them towards a good total.
India won the series 2-1 however Sunday’s result provided Australia with a much-needed boost just over a month out from their Twenty20 World Cup defence.
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