The Indian women’s cricket team achieved a landmark victory with an eight-wicket triumph against Australia in the Mumbai Test

In a remarkable display of cricket, the Indian women’s team clinched an eight-wicket victory against Australia on the final day of their sole Test at Mumbai’s Wankhede Stadium on Sunday (Dec. 24). Chasing a modest target of 75, Indian players Smriti Mandhana and Richa Ghosh partnered for a crucial 51-run stand for the second wicket, setting the stage for Jemimah Rodrigues to join Mandhana in sealing the win.

This triumph marks the Indian women’s team’s second Test win within just eight days, following their resounding 347-run victory over the England women’s team in a one-off Test on December 16.

The day began with Australia resuming their innings 46 runs ahead with five wickets in hand. However, India’s bowlers quickly made their mark, with Pooja Vastrakar dismissing Ashleigh Gardner at Australia’s overnight score of 233/5. The Australian tail-enders were dispatched swiftly, ending their second innings at 261 all out in the first session.

India faced an early setback, losing Shafali Verma in the opening over of their chase. Nonetheless, Mandhana, remaining unbeaten at 38, and Rodrigues, with an unbeaten 12, stood firm to complete the chase.

Australia’s first innings saw them post 219 runs, with Tahlia McGrath leading the way with a half-century, supported by Beth Mooney’s 40 and Alyssa Healy’s 38. Vastrakar shone with the ball, claiming 4/53, while Sneh Rana took 3/56.

India responded robustly in their first innings, piling up 406 runs and establishing a 187-run lead. Standout performances included Mandhana’s 74, Ghosh’s debut half-century, Rodrigues’s 73, and a top score of 78 from Deepti Sharma. Contributions of 40 from Shafali Verma and 47 from Vastrakar also bolstered the Indian innings.