India secured a historic Test victory by defeating Australia by eight wickets at the Wankhede, marking their maiden triumph over the Aussies in this format.
Before this Test, India had faced Australia in 10 Tests, with the Women in Blue losing four and drawing six. However, on December 24, they turned the tables, claiming their first Test win against Alyssa Healy’s team.
On the opening day, Healy won the toss and chose to bat, but the Indian bowlers, led by Pooja Vastrakar (4/53), Sneh Rana (3/56), and Deepti Sharma (2/45), wreaked havoc, dismissing Australia for 219.
India’s innings started strongly, thanks to positive performances from Smriti Mandhana (74) and Shafali Varma (40). Contributions from middle-order batswomen Richa Ghosh (52) and Jemimah Rodrigues (73) gave India a lead.
The partnership between Deepti (78) and Vastrakar (47) solidified India’s control with a 122-run stand, resulting in a commanding 187-run advantage.
Despite resistance from Beth Mooney (33), Ellyse Perry (45), and Tahlia McGrath (73) on day three, India’s captain Harmanpreet Kaur made crucial breakthroughs. Spinners Sneh Rana (4/63) and Rajeshwari Gayakwad (2/42) sealed the victory on the final day, dismissing Australia for 261.
India then chased down the target of 75 with eight wickets in hand, overcoming a shaky start. Mandhana’s unbeaten 38 guided India to victory.
This triumph marked India’s second consecutive Test win, following their record-breaking 347-run victory against England at the DY Patil Stadium earlier in December.
