Mandhana Century Headlines Rain-Hit Draw in Historic Women's Test

A masterful century from Smriti Mandhana headlined a dominant performance from India, but persistent rain ensured the historic one-off women's day-night Test against Australia at the Carrara Oval ended in a draw. Mandhana's innings of 127 was the cornerstone of India's performance, which saw them outplay the hosts for large periods of the match.

Playing in their first pink-ball international from September 30 to October 3, 2021, the Indian team adapted quickly. Mandhana became the first Indian woman to score a century in a day-night Test and the first to reach the milestone in a Test on Australian soil. Her knock was also the highest score by a visiting female batter in a Test in Australia, and she was named Player of the Match for her efforts.

India posted a formidable 377 for 8 declared in their first innings, with Deepti Sharma contributing a resilient 66. In response, Australia were held to 241 for 9 declared by a disciplined Indian attack led by veteran Jhulan Goswami, conceding a 136-run first-innings lead. Pooja Vastrakar was the pick of the bowlers with three wickets.

India declared their second innings at 135 for 3, setting Australia a target of 272 late on the final day. However, significant time lost to weather over the first two days left little opportunity to force a result. Australia reached 36 for 2 before the captains agreed to a draw.

Though the weather prevented a conclusive outcome, India earned considerable praise for outplaying the top-ranked Australian team in unfamiliar conditions, a performance that highlighted the team's potential in long-format cricket.