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Smriti Mandhana's Hundred Leads India's Dominance In Historic Pink-Ball Test vs Australia OTD In 2021

Smriti Mandhana scored a stunning hundred [Source: @KKRiders/x.com]Smriti Mandhana scored a stunning hundred [Source: @KKRiders/x.com]

Three years ago today, on October 3, 2021, the Indian women’s cricket team stepped into the record books as they faced Australia in a landmark pink-ball Test at the Carrara Oval. This was the first time in 15 years that these two heavyweights clashed in a Test match, and India made sure to leave a lasting mark.

Although the match ended in a draw, there was no question about which side had their noses in front. India outclassed the hosts in every department, proving that they could go toe-to-toe with the best.

India’s First Innings: Smriti Mandhana Shines Bright

The one-off Test saw India take control from the outset, led by Smriti Mandhana’s breathtaking century in the first innings. Mandhana’s elegant strokeplay made her the standout performer, as she became the first Indian woman to score a century in a day-night Test. Her knock of 127 was the backbone of India’s commanding total of 377, setting the tone for the rest of the match.

Mandhana’s efforts were well supported by a gritty half-century from all-rounder Deepti Sharma, who scored 66, and crucial contributions from Shafali Verma (31) and Punam Raut (36).

India’s top order laid the foundation for what seemed like a match-winning score, with Mandhana pulling the strings like a maestro. By the time India Women wrapped up their innings, they had posted a formidable total on the board.

Australia’s First Innings: Ellyse Perry Holds Fort

In response, Australia found themselves in early trouble, as India’s pace attack, led by the legendary Jhulan Goswami, wreaked havoc. At 119-4, Australia was staring down the barrel before Ellyse Perry, the ever-reliable all-rounder, and Ashleigh Gardner steadied the ship with an 89-run partnership. Gardner played a fine hand, scoring 51 before she was dismissed, leaving Perry to anchor the innings.

Perry’s unbeaten 68 was a display of resilience, but despite her efforts, wickets continued to tumble at the other end. Pooja Vastrakar was the pick of the Indian bowlers, taking three wickets, while Meghna Singh, Deepti Sharma, and Goswami claimed two each.

Australia finished with 241/9, and in a surprising turn of events, captain Meg Lanning declared, trailing India’s first-innings lead by 136 runs — a decision that raised plenty of eyebrows.

India’s Second Innings: The Declaration Dilemma

With a solid 136-run lead, India had a golden opportunity to force a result. Smriti Mandhana, fresh off her brilliant hundred in the first innings, couldn’t replicate the same magic, falling for 31 in the second innings. 

However, her opening partner Shafali Verma continued her fine form, contributing a valuable 52 off 91 balls. The rest of the Indian batters chipped in with useful runs, as Punam Raut remained unbeaten on 41, and India extended their lead.

By Day 4, the visitors were in a commanding position with a lead of 242 runs and had the chance to declare before tea. However, captain Mithali Raj surprisingly opted to continue batting for a few more overs, eventually setting Australia Women a target of 272 runs to chase in the final session.

Australia’s Second Innings: India Dominate but Time Runs Out

With just 15 overs left in the day, Australia began their second innings needing 272 runs to win, but it quickly became clear that survival was their priority. India’s bowlers kept the pressure on, reducing Australia to 36-2 before stumps were drawn. It was a spirited display from India’s pace attack once again, as Jhulan Goswami and Pooja Vastrakar picked up a wicket each.

In the end, although the Test ended in a stalemate, the contest was far from even. India had clearly called the shots, outplaying Australia in almost every facet of the game. 

It was a case of fortune favouring the brave, and while the win eluded them, India walked away with their heads held high, having shown that they could run with the big dogs in the toughest conditions.

It was a "missed opportunity" for India Women to push for a win, but the historic pink-ball Test will always be remembered as a game where India proved their mettle, outshining Australia across all four days.