Image Credit- BCCI
India successfully concluded a historic victory at
Mumbai’s Wankhede Stadium. In 11 attempts since 1977, it was India Women’s
first victory over Australia in a Test match.
With an overnight lead of 46 runs, Australia reached
233 for 5 on the third day because to the efforts of players like Tahlia
McGrath, Ellyse Perry, and Alyssa Healy. However, India’s bowlers undid most of
their hard work, taking five wickets for just 28 runs in the first session on
the final day. Australia was stunned by Rana’s two wickets in two balls to
remove well-established players Alana King and Annabel Sutherland on a pitch
that offered low bounce and turn. After that, Australia was outscored by Gayakwad’s
two unplayable deliveries, leaving India with a target of just 75.
With a little assistance from the DRS, Ashleigh
Gardner was trapped leg before wicket by Pooja Vastrakar, who had just taken
four wickets in the opening session. This was the first breakthrough of the
day. India’s desperation coincided with the beginning of the breakdown, as they
had two failed reviews subsequent to Gardner’s firing.
India’s spinners advanced during that time by making
better use of the pitch. After Sutherland, who appeared ready to give up,
gloved one behind and was caught by Rana for 27, playing the sweep shot. India
invoked a review to overturn the ruling. King managed to get an inside edge
onto the stumps with the subsequent delivery. After Rana took 4 for 63 in the
third innings, Australia was virtually out of the game at 251 for 8.
India failed to achieve its minor goal. At 29 for 1,
Shafali Varma went to lunch after Garth was caught behind the fourth ball of
the session. When Richa Ghosh attempted a crazy heave across the line to give
Gardner her fifth wicket of the game with 20 runs remaining, she threw away her
wicket.
But an undefeated 38 from Smriti Mandhana neutralised
the spin threat, and ten overs after lunch, after storming down the pitch, she
sealed the victory with a lofted straight smash.
With clinical all-around dominance, the hosts thus
accomplished back-to-back Test victories at home against two formidable
opponents in England and Australia.