In a dominant display, India Women secured victory in the one-off Test against England Women by an impressive margin of 347 runs. Opting to bat first on a favorable surface, the Indian team made valuable contributions on Day 1, accumulating a total surpassing 400. Although no centuries were registered, the innings featured a couple of substantial partnerships.
England Women struggled in response, facing the relentless Indian bowlers, particularly Deepti Sharma, who delivered an exceptional five-wicket spell. This outstanding performance allowed India to amass a substantial 292-run lead. Despite having the option to enforce the follow-on, Harmanpreet’s decision to bat on Day 2 proved strategic as India Women added crucial runs, setting a challenging target of 479.
In a mirror image of the first innings, the England batters faltered in the second innings as well. Pooja Vastrakar claimed three wickets, complemented by Deepti Sharma’s four-wicket haul, leaving the English side grappling with the relentless Indian bowling attack. Deepti Sharma’s exceptional performance extended beyond her bowling prowess, contributing 87 runs with the bat.
A standout all-round performance by Deepti Sharma, securing 9 wickets and significant runs, played a pivotal role in India Women’s resounding victory. The jubilant Indian players celebrated their triumph by posing for the cameras on the sidelines, marking a memorable moment in this one-off Test encounter.
As the one-off Women’s Test match between India and England (IND vs ENG) entered third day in Navi Mumbai, India were poised to amplify their dominance by pushing for a formidable 500-run lead. Following an impressive performance with the bat on the first day, India continued to assert their control on Day 2, particularly through the spin prowess that saw England bundled out for a mere 136 in response to India’s imposing first-innings total of 428.
The standout performer on Day 2 was Deepti Sharma, whose artful use of flight and turn triggered a dramatic collapse for England, losing 7 wickets for just 28 runs. Deepti’s stellar figures of 5 for 7, securing her maiden five-for in a mere 5.3 overs, showcased her mastery in making England appear utterly clueless against her spin magic.
IND vs ENG: Hosts did not force follow-on
Despite holding a massive first-innings lead of 292, India opted not to enforce the follow-on. While their partnerships were not as prolific as on the first day, India continued to score at an impressive rate, concluding Day 2 at 186 for 6.
This extended their lead to a daunting 478 runs with two days still remaining in the game. However, there’s a possibility that India’s first-innings top-scorer, debutant Satheesh Shubha, may not bat due to a hairline fracture on her left hand.
As Day 3 unfolds, India is expected to build on their substantial lead, with the aim of reaching a 500-run advantage. England, facing an uphill task, must counter India’s spin prowess and strive to stage a comeback in what has been a challenging Test match.
As the match progresses, India’s spin prowess and substantial lead promise an intriguing remainder of the Test, with England facing an uphill battle to stage a comeback. Day 3 is poised to unfold with India firmly in control, setting the stage for an exciting culmination to this Women’s Test encounter.
