Australia Dominates in Pink-Ball Test
In a commanding performance, Australia women defeated India women by 10 wickets in a pink-ball Test match held at the WACA Ground in Perth on March 8, 2026. Annabel Sutherland was the standout player, scoring an impressive 129 runs in Australia’s first innings, which set the tone for the match.
India struggled with the bat, managing only 198 runs in their first innings before being bowled out. In response, Australia posted a total of 323 runs, establishing a significant lead. India’s second innings saw them dismissed for just 149 runs, with Pratika Rawal contributing a notable 63 runs. This left Australia with a modest target of 25 runs to chase.
Australia completed the chase in just 4.3 overs without losing a wicket, sealing their victory and clinching the multi-format series 12-4 against India. Sutherland’s performance earned her the Player of the Match award, highlighting her pivotal role in the game.
Reflecting on the series, Indian captain Harmanpreet Kaur remarked, “We started really well, playing really good cricket in T20Is and unfortunately, after that, we weren’t able to continue.” This statement underscores the challenges faced by the Indian team after a promising start in the T20 format.
Alyssa Healy, who played her final Test match, expressed gratitude towards the Indian team, stating, “I have had my time in the sun. Thanks to the Indian team for coming across after a busy WPL and to get up for the fight in the T20s and give us everything.” Healy concluded her Test career with 502 runs in 11 matches, marking an end to a significant chapter in her cricketing journey.
Healy’s retirement from international cricket adds a poignant note to the match, as she has been a key figure in women’s cricket. Her contributions to the sport have been immense, and her farewell was met with respect from both teammates and opponents alike.
Harmanpreet Kaur also expressed hope for future tournaments, saying, “It was great fun and hopefully in future also we’ll keep getting these kinds of tournaments because this gives you a lot of confidence.” This sentiment reflects the growing enthusiasm for women’s cricket and the importance of competitive fixtures between top teams.
As the cricketing world looks forward to more encounters between India and Australia, the prospect of an India-Australia final in future tournaments is an exciting possibility. Healy noted, “An India-Australia final will be a nice touch,” indicating the high stakes and competitive spirit that define this rivalry.