On this date in 2023, the Indian women's cricket team celebrated a historic achievement at Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai, marking their inaugural Test victory against Australia with a commanding eight-wicket win.

Choosing to bat first, Australia encountered significant difficulties against the Indian pace bowlers. Pooja Vastrakar spearheaded the attack, taking vital early wickets that unsettled Australia's batting lineup. Although Tahlia McGrath fought back with a top score of 50 runs, Australia was ultimately dismissed for 219 in their first innings.

India building a commanding lead

India's opening batswomen, Smriti Mandhana (74) and Shafali Verma (40), established a solid partnership of 90 runs in response. Contributions from Richa Ghosh, Jemimah Rodrigues, and Deepti Sharma, each scoring fifties, propelled India to a total of 406 in their first innings, giving them a substantial lead of 187 runs.

Confronted with a considerable deficit, Australia commenced their second innings with resolve. Ellyse Perry and Tahlia McGrath developed a promising partnership, with McGrath demonstrating resilience by scoring 73 runs. However, the introduction of off-spinner Sneh Rana into the bowling attack proved to be a turning point. Rana dismantled the Perry-McGrath partnership and subsequently took several crucial wickets, concluding with remarkable figures of 4 for 63. Ultimately, Australia was bowled out for 261, leaving India with a modest target of 75 runs to secure victory.

Sealing the historic win

On the concluding day, India undertook the chase with assurance. Although they lost two wickets early on, they successfully reached the target with ease, scoring 75 for 2 in merely 18.4 overs. This triumph represented a notable achievement, concluding a 46-year hiatus for a Test victory against Australia in women's cricket. This landmark win not only broke a prolonged drought against Australia but also underscored the development and promise of women's cricket in India.

Key performances

On the concluding day, India undertook the chase with assurance. Although they lost two wickets early on, they successfully reached the target with ease, scoring 75 for 2 in merely 18.4 overs. This triumph represented a notable achievement, concluding a 46-year hiatus for a Test victory against Australia in women's cricket. This landmark win not only broke a prolonged drought against Australia but also underscored the development and promise of women's cricket in India.

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