T20 World Cup: Australia wane in Poonam Yadav spell, India win opener

Indian women scripted a thrilling win against defending champions Australia in the opening match of the T20 World Cup in Sydney on Friday. India won by 17 runs as Australia were all out for 115 against India with one ball remaining. 

Indian women, who were defending a low total, were back in the game after a deadly spell by bowler Poonam Yadav. Yadav's spell of 4 wickets for 19 runs ripped through Australian top order. Yadav's plunder included the wickets of Alyssa Healy, Rachael Haynes, Ellyse Perry and Jess Jonassen. 

Soon, the tables turned around as what was thought to be an easy win for Australia was suddenly poised in India's favour.

Earlier in the day, Indian women, who were sent for batting by Australian skipper Meg Lanning, failed to capitalise on the amazing start of opener Shafali Verma. 

Sixteen-year-old Verma took India to 41 for no loss in four overs with a typical 29 off 15 balls, but her fall derailed the innings as the other batters disappointed. India were cruising when left-arm spinner Jess Jonassen (2/24) snapped two quick wickets, Smriti Mandhana (10 off 11)and Harmanpreet Kaur (2 off 5) to reduce India to 47 for three. Verma also departed soon.

The women, however, managed to score 132 as Deepti Sharma made a composed 46-ball 49 in the second half of the innings.