Australia A Women and India A Women are preparing for a decisive clash in the third and final T20 of their unofficial series, with the contest scheduled for Sunday, August 10, 2025, at the Great Barrier Reef Arena in Mackay. With the series finely poised, both sides have everything to play for, and cricket fans can expect a competitive finish to what has been an engaging battle between two evenly matched squads.
The match begins at 1:30 PM IST, an afternoon start that suits fans in both countries. In India, live coverage will be available exclusively through the FanCode app, offering ball-by-ball updates, live streaming, and highlights for viewers who cannot watch the entire match. In Australia, the game will be shown on cricket.com.au and Kayo Sports, ensuring supporters have multiple viewing options regardless of where they are based.
For Australia A Women, the series has been an opportunity to test their depth and groom the next generation alongside seasoned campaigners. Nicole Faltum leads the team, with Tahlia Wilson serving as vice-captain. Their squad is packed with talent, including the experienced Alyssa Healy, who returned to action after recovering from injury. The batting order also features Anika Learoyd, Madeline Penna, Rachel Trenaman, and Courtney Webb, while the bowling department is strengthened by Lauren Cheatle, Kim Garth, Amy Edgar, and young pace prospect Lucy Hamilton. All-rounders like Tess Flintoff and Sianna Ginger give the side balance, while the squad’s fielding unit has shown sharpness throughout the series.
India A Women arrive under the leadership of Radha Yadav, whose all-round skills and on-field energy have been central to the team’s approach. Vice-captain Minnu Mani offers a reliable option with bat and ball, while the power-packed batting line-up is headlined by Shafali Verma, known for her aggressive stroke play at the top of the order. The team also includes promising batters such as Raghvi Bist, Prema Rawat, and D. Vrinda. In the middle and lower order, all-rounders Sajana Sajeevan and Tanuja Kanwer bring stability, while wicketkeepers Uma Chetry and Nandini Kashyap provide options behind the stumps. The bowling attack is a mix of youth and guile, featuring Shabnam Shakeel, Saima Thakor, Titas Sadhu, Joshita VJ, and Dhara Gujjar.
The series has been evenly contested so far. In the opening T20, Australia A Women secured a 13-run victory after setting a total of 137, with Anika Learoyd leading the way through a composed half-century. India A’s chase was anchored by Raghvi Bist, who struck a brisk 33 off 20 balls, but the lower order could not keep up with the required run rate. Prema Rawat’s 3/15 stood out in India’s bowling effort, showing her ability to trouble batters with consistent line and length.
Heading into the third match, both captains know the importance of seizing the big moments. Australia A will rely on Healy’s experience to provide momentum at the top, while their bowling attack, led by Garth and Cheatle, will be tasked with breaking India’s batting partnerships early. India A, in contrast, will aim to unleash Shafali Verma’s aggression from the outset and back it up with disciplined bowling from their young pace battery and spin options.
The Mackay pitch has so far offered a fair contest between bat and ball. Early movement for seamers has kept the openers cautious, but as the game progresses, batters have found value for their shots. Spinners have also enjoyed some grip and turn, especially in the second half of matches. Weather forecasts suggest cooler conditions around 16 degrees Celsius with a possibility of showers, which could play a role in how captains approach their team selections and strategies.
This final T20 carries significance beyond the series result. For Australia A, it is a chance for players on the fringes of the senior national side to strengthen their case ahead of future tournaments, including the upcoming women’s ODI World Cup. Alyssa Healy’s form is being closely watched, as her return to full fitness is vital for Australia’s plans. For India A, this series is an opportunity to test combinations and give younger players exposure to foreign conditions, something that could prove invaluable for the senior team’s assignments later in the year. Players like Shafali Verma and Titas Sadhu will be eager to leave a mark, while Radha Yadav’s leadership will be under the microscope as she looks to guide her team to a morale-boosting win.
The fans, too, have a lot riding on this match. In India, there is growing interest in women’s cricket, and performances in tours like this are helping build a deeper connection between supporters and emerging talent. In Australia, the match offers local fans in Mackay a chance to see future stars up close, adding to the excitement around the women’s game at grassroots and domestic levels.
As the teams prepare to take the field, there is a sense that the margins will be fine. A single partnership, a sharp piece of fielding, or a decisive bowling spell could tilt the outcome either way. The series has already shown that both sides have match-winners capable of turning a game in a few overs. What remains is for one team to deliver that performance when it matters most.
When the first ball is bowled at Mackay on Sunday, the spotlight will be on the players to bring their best cricket. For some, this will be a step toward senior international recognition; for others, it will be about cementing their role within the team. The only certainty is that fans tuning in—whether from the stands in Queensland, via FanCode in India, or on Kayo Sports in Australia—are likely to be treated to a competitive, skill-filled finale to a hard-fought series.
