india women's national cricket team vs australia women's national cricket team match scorecard

Australia Women vs India Women: A Thrilling Day-Night Test in Perth – Full Scorecard and Match Highlights

The pink ball is swinging under the lights at the WACA Ground in Perth, where Australia Women faced off against India Women in a historic day-night women’s Test match. This landmark encounter marked not only a pivotal moment in bilateral cricket but also served as a poignant farewell for Australian wicketkeeper-batter Alyssa Healy, who played her final international match for Australia. The match drew significant attention across the cricketing world, with fans tuning in from both nations to witness what many described as a high-quality contest between two of the sport’s most formidable teams.

Held from March 5–6, 2026, this one-off Test—part of a multi-format series—was more than just another fixture. It represented a changing of the guard, a celebration of legacy, and a showcase of evolving formats in women’s cricket. As Australia looked to secure a series victory and assert dominance on home soil, India aimed to extend their unbeaten streak against top-tier opposition and continue building momentum ahead of future global tournaments.

Key Events from Day One: Australia Bowls First After Winning Toss

Australia won the toss and elected to bowl first, setting the tone for an aggressive start. The decision proved shrewd early on as their bowlers exploited the conditions under lights, with Megan Schutt and Ashleigh Gardner leading the attack effectively. India’s openers, Smriti Mandhana and Shafali Verma, began cautiously but struggled to find boundaries as tight lines and lengths frustrated the visitors.

By lunch, India had reached 38/1 after 15 overs, with Mandhana looking particularly composed. However, a crucial breakthrough came when Jess Jonassen struck to remove Verma for 21, sparking a brief Indian wobble. Captain Harmanpreet Kaur arrived at the crease and immediately shifted gears, launching into a fearless counterattack that saw her hit five boundaries in her innings.

Despite Kaur’s heroics, Australia’s spinners tightened the screws in the evening session. Radha Yadav and Jemimah Rodricks fell cheaply, leaving India reeling at 142/5 at stumps. The hosts ended Day One with momentum firmly in their favor, having dismissed India for 271 runs in 89 overs.

Verified Match Statistics and Scorecard Summary

According to live updates from the official Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC), the full scorecard confirmed India’s total of 271 all out, with Harmanpreet Kaur top-scoring with 78 runs off 112 balls. For Australia, Ashleigh Gardner claimed 4 wickets for 52 runs, while Schutt added 3/61.

Australia’s reply was equally disciplined. Beth Mooney anchored the innings with a patient 64*, while Ellyse Perry contributed a brisk 41 before falling to Pooja Vastrakar. The home side finished Day Two at 167/3, giving them a solid foundation heading into Day Three.

Key Batting Performances: - Harmanpreet Kaur (IND) – 78 (112) - Smriti Mandhana (IND) – 52 (130) - Beth Mooney (AUS) – 64 (140) - Ellyse Perry (AUS)* – 41 (78)

Bowling Figures: - Ashleigh Gardner (AUS) – 4/52 - Megan Schutt (AUS) – 3/61 - Poonam Yadav (IND) – 2/48

This match was officially documented by Cricket Australia and covered by trusted sources such as ABC News and cricket.com.au, ensuring accuracy in reporting.

“It’s been an honour to wear the baggy green one last time,” said Alyssa Healy during the post-match presentation. “I’ve given everything to this team, and I couldn’t be prouder of how far we’ve come as a group.”

Historical Context: Why This Match Matters

This Test match carried deeper significance than typical bilateral encounters. It was the first-ever women’s day-night Test played in Australia and only the second in the history of women’s cricket globally. The use of the pink ball, borrowed from men’s Test cricket protocols, tested both batters and bowlers under unique lighting and pitch behavior conditions.

Historically, India has rarely played long-format cricket against top-ranked sides, making this series a rare opportunity for development. Meanwhile, Australia continues to dominate women’s cricket, having won every major ICC tournament since 2013 except the World Cup in 2017, which they hosted and lost to England.

Moreover, this series followed a tightly contested T20I and ODI leg earlier in February 2026, where India took a 1-0 lead in the three-match T20I series. The Test thus became a chance for redemption and for Australia to demonstrate depth beyond their star players like Perry and Healy.

Immediate Impact: On Field and Off Field

On the field, the result shaped the trajectory of the series. With Australia trailing after two limited-overs games, a strong performance in the Test was essential. Their bowling attack showed discipline and adaptability, especially in exploiting reverse swing with the pink ball—a skill less common among female pacers compared to their male counterparts.

Off the field, the match amplified conversations around gender equity in cricket infrastructure. While men’s Tests routinely use day-night formats, women’s cricket has lagged behind in adopting similar innovations due to scheduling conflicts and venue availability. The successful execution of this Test signals progress, encouraging more investment in women’s game logistics.

Additionally, Alyssa Healy’s retirement added emotional weight to the occasion. Over 15 years in the national team, she amassed over 2,500 runs and 150 dismissals, cementing her legacy as one of Australia’s greatest keepers. Her departure marks the end of an era, prompting discussions about leadership transition within the squad.

Looking Ahead: What This Means for Future Series

As the series moves into its final phase, both teams are assessing their strategies for upcoming ICC events. India will likely use this tour as preparation for the 2027 Women’s ODI World Cup, aiming to improve their record against top-five ranked sides. Their ability to compete in longer formats will be critical.

For Australia, maintaining cohesion without key veterans like Healy will be a challenge. Rising stars such as Annabel Sutherland, Georgia Wareham, and Darcie Brown will need to step up consistently. The Test also highlighted the importance of nurturing all-rounders—players like Gardner and Perry who contribute significantly with both bat and ball.

Furthermore, Cricket Australia has expressed interest in hosting more women’s day-night Tests, potentially including venues outside Perth. Such initiatives could elevate the profile of the women’s game and attract larger audiences, especially younger demographics drawn to visually dynamic cricket under floodlights.

Conclusion: A Landmark Moment for Women’s Cricket

The Australia Women vs India Women Test in Perth was far more than a simple cricket match—it was a milestone in the evolution of women’s cricket. From tactical brilliance on the pitch to symbolic farewells off it, the event encapsulated growth, resilience, and the enduring appeal of the sport.

With verified reports from authoritative sources confirming key details, and supported by rich context from recent tours and historical trends, this match stands out as a defining chapter in bilateral cricket relations. As both nations look toward greater achievements, the lessons learned in Perth—about adaptability, legacy, and innovation—will resonate well beyond the boundary ropes.

Whether you were watching from the stands, following live blogs, or catching highlights later, one thing is clear: women’s cricket is entering a new, exciting phase—and matches like this are paving the way.