India threatened to chase the stark 189 target with late fireworks from Harmanpreet and youngster Richa Ghosh only to miss seven points in the end.
Australia took an unassailable 3-1 lead going into the series finale here on Tuesday. The series is part of the preparation of the two teams which will take part in the T20 World Cup in South Africa in February.
“Any young girl who had the opportunity to play against this Australian team will take away the experience. We have positives even though we lost the series,” said Harmanpreet, who scored a 30-ball 46, during of the post-match presentation ceremony. .
After the skipper’s exit, India needed 68 from 34 when Richa Ghosh (40 not out; 19 balls) and Deepti Sharma (12 not out; 8 balls) restarted the chase. They needed 20 points from last but experienced Megan Schutt held her nerve to seal the win.
“We were in the game the whole time. Just one here and there could have made the difference. If I was there things could have changed but unfortunately I got out, we still had faith in Richa and Deepti.”
Australian Ashleigh Gardner followed her 27-42 with clean numbers of 4-0-20-2, including a tight 18th where she conceded just three and fired Devika Vaidya (32; 26 balls), to turn the match in favor of the visiting side.
“The 18th in which we only got three points made the difference,” said the India captain.
Harmanpreet said she was recovering from her Asian Cup injury so she was not bowling.
“I want to take it easy and beat for now, I will definitely come bowling soon,” she said.
Close finish in the fourth #INDvAUS T20I but it was Australia who won the match! #TeamIndia will look to bounce back b… https://t.co/9AzgaxawXr
— BCCI Women (@BCCIWomen) 1671295057000
Gardner, who was voted player of the match, said it was important to be precise with her length and to mix it up smartly.
“It was really crucial to know what lengths you play. I know if you throw it, it’s easier to hit straight to the ground. So I was just rolling it in the ground.
“It’s important to be able to mix up your lengths. I know T20 cricket is quite hitter friendly and everyone just assumes that when you come to India there will be a lot of rotation but in this format you don’t don’t expect a lot of rotation.” Gardner said.
