Aussie women beat India in T20 tri-series

Australia have claimed a six-wicket win against India in the opening match of the women's Twenty20 tri-series in Mumbai.

Chasing India's 5-152, Australia lost opener Alyssa Healy (4) early on Thursday but a quick-fire 15 from Ashleigh Gardner put them back on track.

Fellow opener Beth Mooney (45) and Elyse Villani (39) combined for an 80-run stand before both fell to the experienced Jhulan Goswami (3-30).

Requiring a run a ball, captain Meg Lanning (35no) and Rachael Haynes (12no) took Australia home with 11 balls to spare.

After losing the toss, India made a strong start reaching 72 before Gardner (2-22) removed Mithali Raj (18) and the dangerous Smriti Mandhana (67).

Australia managed to stem the flow of runs with Ellyse Perry (2-31) picking up two middle-order wickets, but a late 21-ball 35 to Anuja Patil was enough to push India's total past the 150-mark.

Lanning said it was a pretty good performance by Australia.

"I thought we were under the pump a little bit with the ball early ...Mandhana was taking it to us a fair bit those couple of wickets in the middle changed the game.

"We were pretty happy chasing 150. We thought par was a little bit more than that and ... our batters did a good job as well," said Lanning.

Allrounder Sophie Molineux had a day to remember on debut, the youngster claiming three catches.

She said it was a dream come true to make her Australian debut.

"It was pretty special. I actually got a tear in my eye which was quite nice.

"Obviously a dream of mine and to be here in India and to have my cap presented ... was a really special moment and I'll remember it really fondly."

Australia have little time to celebrate. Their next match is on Friday against England, also in Mumbai.