The host nation began the tournament as strong favourites and appeared on course to earn victory in the tournament curtain raise  after restricting India to 132-4 from their 20 over innings.

Deepti Sharma had proved the star of the Indian innings, finishing on 49 not out to guide her team to a respectable score.

Australia were expected to achieve a successful run chase, despite slow conditions.

The hosts were on track at the halfway mark of their innings, only for the loss of opener Alyssa Healy for 51 to Poonam Yadav to help swing the match in India’s favour.

The spinner then dismissed Rachael Haynes and Ellyse Perry in consecutive balls.

Ashleigh Gardner prevented Poonam from taking a hat-trick, but the Indian bowler had reduced Australia to 76-5 to put the tournament favourites under pressure.

Gardner led Australia’s resistance, but the hosts  stillheaded into the final over of the innings needing an unlikely 21 runs to win the match.

Molly Strano was run out with the penultimate ball of the match, as Australia were ultimately bowled out for 115 to leave India winners by 17 runs. 

The surprise result significantly boosts India’s chances of progressing from Group A of the tournament, which also features Bangladesh, New Zealand and Sri Lanka.

New Zealand and Sri Lanka are due to meet at the WACA Ground in Perth tomorrow in their first match.

Group B will begin tomorrow at the same venue, with West Indies facing qualifiers Thailand.

England, South Africa and Pakistan complete the Group B line-up.

The top two teams at the conclusion of the group phase will advance to the semi-finals.