Perth’s WACA lit up for the women’s pink ball Test, where Australia grabbed momentum on Day 1, finishing at 96/3 against India’s 198. A wicket-fest saw 13 scalps, underscoring the format’s edge-of-seat appeal.
Batting first unwillingly, India lost Mandhana early (4), Rawal (18). Verma (35) flayed drives before perishing. Rodrigues’ masterful 52 (84 balls) rescued temporarily, but Kaur (19), Sharma (7), Ghosh (11), Rana (5), and Gautam (34* with cuts) couldn’t prevent all out.
Sutherland dominated with 4/46, Hamilton 3/31, Brown 2/41 – clinical stuff. Australia’s response: Voll gone for 2, Litchfield 9, Healy 13 (to Satghare’s spin). Perry’s 43* exploded with seven fours, her footwork impeccable; Sutherland 20* unbeaten.
Satghare (2) and Goud (1) sparked hope for India. Still 102 adrift, Australia’s depth looms large.
This encounter spotlights women’s cricket’s growth, pink ball adding swing and spectacle. Perry’s form could define the game. As stumps were drawn, anticipation builds for tomorrow’s skirmishes in this historic fixture.