India notched their inaugural Test victory over Australia, clinching an eight-wicket win in a one-off match held in Mumbai.
Australia commenced the final day with five wickets in hand in their second innings, carrying a lead of 46. However, India efficiently dismissed the tourists for 261.
Subsequently, India successfully chased down a modest target of 75 shortly after lunch, propelled by Smriti Mandhana’s unbeaten 38.
“It’s the reward for all the hard work we have done for so many years,” said India skipper Harmanpreet Kaur.
“It’s reward for the hard work and patience. We just wanted to play positive cricket.”
India secured their maiden victory against Australia in women’s Tests, ending an 11-game winless streak against the top-ranked team in the format since their first encounter in 1977.
India gained a crucial advantage in the contest with a first-innings lead of 187, amassing a formidable total of 406 in response to Australia’s 219.
Contributions from Richa Ghosh (52), Jemimah Rodrigues (73), Deepti Sharma (78), and Smriti Mandhana (74) saw India’s batters making patient half-centuries. Spinner Ash Gardner claimed 4-100 for Australia.
Australia struggled at the Wankhede Stadium, with vice-captain Tahlia McGrath being the only player to register a half-century in either innings for the tourists.
Sneh Rana, India’s all-rounder, was named the player of the match for her off-spin, which yielded match figures of 7-119 from 44.4 overs.
“A Test match in India is happening after a long time, so this win is right at the top,” Rana said.
“For Indian fans also this win is huge. The players who are growing will see this win and want to play more Test cricket.”
It was a disappointing start to Alyssa Healy’s reign as captain having been named as Meg Lanning’s permanent successor across all formats earlier this month.
“Except for the first day, we showed a lot of fight,” Healy said.
“Full credit to the Indian team, they just put too many runs on us. If we would have batted the first full day, we could have been in the game.”
India’s triumph marks their second Test win this month, following a dominant 347-run victory over England in Mumbai.
The teams are set to face each other in a series of three ODIs and three T20s starting on December 28.