The Indian women's cricket team on Tuesday chased down a record total and defeated world champions Australia by five wickets in the opening Twenty20 International of a three-match series in Adelaide on Tuesday. After winning the toss, Indian captain Mithali Raj chose to bowl first. The tourists then did well to restrict Australia to 141, before wrapping up the chase in 18.4 overs.

India's leg-spinner Poonam Yadav was the top wicket-taker, scalping 2-26 in her four overs. Veteran pacer Jhulan Goswami, Shikha Pandey and Anuka Patil also picked up a wicket each in a consistently tight bowling performance.

Though Raj, who opened the innings, was dismissed early, the rest of the top-order did well. Harmanpreet Kaur stood out with a 31-ball 46. For Australia, left-arm spinner Jess Jonassen grabbed two wickets for 24 runs in three overs. The series now moves to Melbourne for the second game on Friday.