PERTH, Australia – In a gripping day-night Test at WACA Ground, Australia’s women’s cricket team has seized control against India. At the end of Day 2, India stumbled to 105 for 6 in their second innings, leaving Australia with a slim 20-run lead based on the first innings.
India’s first innings folded for a modest 198 after losing the toss. Jemimah Rodrigues shone with a resilient 52 off 84 balls, featuring seven boundaries. Shafali Verma contributed 35, while Kashvee Gautam remained not out on 34. Australia’s bowlers struck hard, with Annabel Sutherland claiming 4 wickets, Lucy Hamilton grabbing 3, Darcie Brown taking 2, and Ashleigh Gardner one.
Responding assertively, Australia piled up 323, securing a 125-run lead. Captain Ellyse Perry smashed 76 with 11 boundaries, partnering with Sutherland for 128 runs in the fourth wicket. Sutherland’s masterful 129 off 171 balls, laced with 17 fours, propelled her side. Beth Mooney added 19. India’s Sayali Satghare led the fightback with 4 wickets, supported by Kranti Gaud and Deepti Sharma with 2 each, and Sneh Rana and Shafali Verma with one apiece.
In their second innings, India’s top order crumbled early. Smriti Mandhana fell for 2 at 2 runs, followed by Shafali Verma for 5 at 10. Pritka Raval steadied the ship, adding 28 with Jemimah Rodrigues (14) and 26 with captain Harmanpreet Kaur (11). She then built an unbroken 23-run stand with Sneh Rana.
Raval remains unbeaten on 43 from 84 balls, including 6 fours, while Rana is on 14 with 2 boundaries. Lucy Hamilton has taken 3 wickets for Australia, Sutherland 2, and Brown 1. With the match hanging in balance, India faces a steep challenge on a lively pitch under lights.