NEW DELHI: In a fitting end to India women's first 'home season' of Test cricket in 28 years, they secured a historic maiden victory over the formidable Australia in a one-off Test on Sunday.
The final day witnessed India's exceptional performance with both bat and ball as they clinched an eight-wicket win, showcasing their dominance against a world-dominating side.
India's win was highlighted by
Smriti Mandhana
's unbeaten 38 and Jemimah Rodrigues' 12 not out, who celebrated the victory with a warm hug.
As it happened: India Women vs Australia Women
Playing more than one Test at home for the first time since 1995, the Indian women's team displayed remarkable consistency. Keeping the promise of playing 'positive cricket,' they weathered challenges and dictated terms against high-profile opponents like Australia and England.
India's clinical performances in the two home Tests, played at Wankhede Stadium and DY Patil Stadium, resulted in their biggest win by margin of runs against England and their first-ever triumph over Australia in 11 Tests.
The victory has now tilted the balance in favor of 'matches won' compared to 'matches lost' in their overall Test record.
In 40 Tests, India women have now secured seven wins and suffered six defeats, with 27 matches ending in draws. The team's outstanding show in the Test format emphasizes the potential for more 'home' Tests in the future.
The win against Australia saw the emergence of new Test stars, including the impressive debut of 20-year-old Richa Ghosh, who scored 52.
The fourth day witnessed Indian spinners dominating, with Sneh Rana, Rajeshwari Gayakwad, and Deepti Sharma wreaking havoc on the Australian resistance.
Australia, looking to build on a slender lead of 46 runs, collapsed dramatically, losing five wickets in the first 45 minutes of the day. Pooja Vastrakar, Sneh Rana, and Rajeshwari Gayakwad played pivotal roles in India's success.
India's performance with the bat was equally formidable, making 406 in the first innings, their highest total ever against Australia in Tests.
Shafali Verma, Richa Ghosh, and Smriti Mandhana contributed to the successful chase of the meager target of 75, securing a memorable victory in their 'home season' finale.
The triumph is not only a significant milestone for Indian women's cricket but also emphasizes the potential for more Test matches in the future, marking a remarkable chapter in the history of women's cricket in the country.
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(With inputs from PTI)
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