India lost momentum late in the chase, collapsing from 65 for one to 144 for nine. Ashleigh Gardner took 3/22 as Australia won the match.
The series decider will be played at Adelaide Oval on Saturday.
Australia beats India to level T20I series
Australia defeated India by 19 runs in the second T20I to level the series, powered by a record 128-run opening stand between Georgia Voll and Beth Mooney.