Initially balanced, the one-off Test shifted on the third day, with Australia eyeing a 200-plus target against India at the Wankhede Stadium. Yet, India entered Sunday’s play with a clear strategy and unwavering determination.

Over the next three hours and 15 minutes, the home team flawlessly executed their plans, clinching an eight-wicket victory – marking their maiden Test win against Australia.

Securing consecutive Test wins within a week is no mean feat. India capitalized on their success against England, maintaining authoritative control over Australia, and showcasing their prowess. The team’s lack of Test cricket experience never once reflected in their performance. The efficient manner in which they wrapped up the Australian innings on the final day, claiming the last five wickets for a mere 28 runs, underscored their resilience.

Starting at 233 for 5, Australia aimed for a resilient partnership. However, Sneh Rana (4 for 63) and Rajeshwari Gayakwad (2 for 42) had different plans. Pooja Vastrakar struck early, dismissing Ashleigh Gardner with a well-executed yorker in the second over of the day.

India continued to tighten their grip as Rana, fueled by aggression following her three-wicket haul in the first innings, claimed Annabel Sutherland. Despite initial umpiring confusion, a timely referral to the TV umpire favored India, sparking Australia’s downfall.

Rana secured another wicket off the subsequent ball, while Gayakwad swiftly wrapped up the innings with two quick scalps.

Chasing 75 runs with over two sessions left, India’s innings began with a boundary by Shafali Verma, who soon fell to Kim Garth. Smriti Mandhana’s unbeaten 38 (61b, 6×4) anchored a crucial 51-run partnership with Richa Ghosh.

Despite an early reprieve by Beth Mooney, dropping Richa at slip off Gardner, the debutant steadied herself and consolidated the partnership with Mandhana, steering India closer to victory.

Richa’s dismissal by Tahlia McGrath, caught at mid-on, left India just 20 runs shy of a historic win. Jemimah Rodrigues accelerated India’s charge, striking a couple of boundaries before Mandhana sealed the momentous victory with a boundary shot.