Australia A 163 for 5 (Wilson 50, Mack 39, Ishaque 3-33) defeated India A 158 for 6 (Punia 76) by five runs
In the first T20 of India A's multiformat tour, Australia A clinched a narrow five-run victory, thanks to Tahlia Wilson's rapid half-century and a strong middle-order finish, despite Priya Punia's impressive innings.
Wilson, with a quick 33-ball fifty, dominated the early stages, putting up a 74-run opening stand with Katie Mack. However, the home team stumbled, losing 5 for 42, before Nicole Faltum and Maddy Darke added 31 crucial runs in the last two overs.
During India A's chase, they struggled to keep up with the required rate. Punia and Tanuja Kanwar's 64-run partnership for the third wicket kept hopes alive, but Kanwar's stumping by Faltum off Maitlan Brown left India A needing 64 from 33 balls. Despite Punia's valiant effort, including seven fours and three sixes, the target proved just out of reach, with her becoming one of three run-outs. Left-arm spinner Sophie Day impressed by conceding only 19 runs from her four overs, including just three in her final over.
With 28 runs coming off the 18th and 19th overs, India A needed 16 runs in the final over. Captain Tahlia McGrath managed to defend the target, despite conceding a boundary to Sayali Satghare.
Earlier, put into bat, Australia A started strong, reaching 49 without loss after six overs. Left-arm spinner Saika Ishaque led India A's fightback, removing Wilson right after her half-century and then claiming Mack and McGrath in the 12th over. Despite losing Knott and Flintoff in quick succession, Australia A managed a late surge, with Darke and Faltum scoring crucial boundaries.
The teams will face off again at Allan Border Field for the second match on Friday, followed by the final T20 on Sunday. The tour will continue with three one-day matches in Mackay next week, concluding with a four-day game on the Gold Coast.