PERTH, Australia – In a thrilling opening day of the inaugural women’s pink ball Test at WACA Ground, Australia seized control against India, ending with 96 for 3 after skittling the visitors for 198. The day saw a staggering 13 wickets tumble under the lights, setting the stage for an intense battle.
India, inserted to bat after losing the toss, started shakily. Smriti Mandhana fell for a duck-like 4, followed by Pratika Rawal’s 18. Shafali Verma promised fireworks with some bold strokes but departed for 35, unable to capitalize. The innings gained momentum through Jemimah Rodrigues’ classy 52 off 84 balls, her first fifty in Test cricket, featuring elegant drives and pulls.
Captain Harmanpreet Kaur managed 19 before being cleaned up by Darcie Brown. Deepti Sharma’s 7 and Richa Ghosh’s 11 added little resistance. Sneh Rana scored 5, while Kashvee Gautam provided a late flourish with an unbeaten 34 from 54 balls, including three boundaries. Australia’s bowlers dominated: Annabel Sutherland starred with 4/46, Lucy Hamilton claimed 3/31, and Darcie Brown took 2/41.
In reply, Australia wobbled early. Georgia Voll exited for 2, Phoebe Litchfield made 9, and skipper Alyssa Healy scored 13 off 27 balls, falling to Sayali Satghare. Ellyse Perry steadied the ship with a fluent 43 off 62 balls, smashing seven fours in aggressive fashion. Annabel Sutherland, unbeaten on 20, joined her at stumps. India’s Sayali Satghare grabbed 2 wickets, Kranti Goud one.
Trailing by 102 runs, Australia holds a psychological edge, but India’s bowlers will aim to strike early on day two. This rare Test format under lights adds unpredictability, with the pink ball offering seamers extra bite. Fans are glued as these powerhouses vie for supremacy in women’s cricket’s evolving landscape.