The Indian women’s cricket team faces a high-stakes encounter against six-time champions Australia in their final Group A match of the Women’s T20 World Cup on June 28. With a semi-final spot on the line, this match has effectively become a do-or-die contest for Harmanpreet Kaur’s side.

In such a pressure situation, all expectations will once again rest on vice-captain and star batter Smriti Mandhana, who has often delivered in crucial moments against Australia. Her role at the top of the order is expected to be decisive in shaping India’s chances in this must-win game.

Mandhana has consistently been one of India’s most reliable performers against Australia in T20 internationals. Across 29 matches against the Australian side, she has scored 866 runs at an average of 32.07 and a strike rate of 124.78, including eight half-centuries.

More importantly, her impact has been even stronger in matches India has won against Australia. In those victories, she has scored 351 runs at an impressive average of 58.5, including four fifties. Notably, in most of these wins, she has provided solid starts and rarely been dismissed cheaply, highlighting her importance in big games.

With India needing a win to stay alive in the tournament, much will depend on whether Mandhana can once again anchor the innings and set the tone against a strong Australian attack.