The Indian team led by skipper Harmanpreet Kaur posted a massive total of 428 runs on the board courtesy of outstanding performances from the batting unit, hunting in partnerships. However, they decided against enforcing the follow-on after wrapping England up for 136 in their first innings, gaining a massive 1st-innings lead of 292 runs courtesy of a collapse triggered by Deepti Sharma (5.3-4-7-5). She picked up her maiden 5-wicket haul in Tests.
The Indian openers marched out in the middle with positive intent, trying to take the attack to England, much like their approach in the first innings. The Indian batters feasted on England bowlers as they continued their cautioned aggression by scoring over 4 runs per over right through their innings. The home side ended day 2 with a total of 186/6 courtesy of impactful cameos from the Indian top order as the effective lead soured to 478 runs. Skipper Harmanpreet Kaur was joined by Pooja Vastrakar at the crease and the duo were unbeaten on a 53-run 7th-wicket partnership at the close of play.
The Indian team declared, on their overnight score of 186/6, setting the highest fourth innings target of 479 in a Women’s Test match. The previous highest was 410 by Pakistan vs Sri Lanka in the year 1998. The England openers got off to a confident start, scoring at just under 4 runs an over before Renuka Singh eventually managed to beat Tammy Beaumont’s outside edge to knock over the off-stump to provide the first breakthrough for India.
Skipper Heather Knight joined Sophia Dunkley at the crease and the duo failed to form a substantial partnership as Sophia Dunkley sliced the ball outside off-stump straight to gully and Harleen Deol completed an easy catch. Pooja Vastrakar provided the second breakthrough, she followed that up with a massive wicket dismissing Nat Sciver-Brunt for a golden duck to land a double blow to England in the 10th over of the run chase.
Danni Wyatt joined skipper Heather Knight at the crease and the duo stitched a 31-run partnership for the third wicket before skipper Heather Knight nicked off trying to play inside the line and the wicket-keeper Yastika Bhatia completed a regulation catch behind the stumps. Danni Wyatt soon followed her back to the pavilion for an 11-ball 12. Deepti Sharma provided the breakthrough for India.
Sophie Ecclestone joined wicket-keeper batter, Amy Jones at the crease and the duo stitched a 15-run partnership for the 6th wicket before losing a couple of wickets in quick succession, finding themselves in deep trouble at 83/7 in the 18th over of the run chase.
INDIA WIN BY 347 RUNS!
Just Two and a half days of Test Cricket.#CricketTwitter #INDvENG pic.twitter.com/OAL2vmnR4v
— Female Cricket (@imfemalecricket) December 16, 2023
The visitors suffered a mini-collapse as they lost their last three wickets for just 48 runs. They were eventually bundled out for 131 runs in 27.3 overs. Skipper Heather Knight (21 off 20 balls) and Charlie Dean (20 off 33 balls) were the top performers with the bat for England. Deepti Sharma (4/32) and Pooja Vastrakar (3/23) were the top performers with the ball for India. The home side sealed a massive 347-run victory.
India has not lost a Women's Test Match since 2006
WON vs England (2006, Away)
WON vs England (2014, Away)
WON vs South Africa (2014-15, Home)
DRAW vs England (2021, Away)
DRAW vs Australia (2021-22, Away)
WON vs England (2023, Home)DOMINATION 🇮🇳#CricketTwitter #INDvENG pic.twitter.com/flatmCU8ap
— Female Cricket (@imfemalecricket) December 16, 2023
India has etched their name into the history books by securing the largest margin of victory in terms of runs (347 runs) against England. It is Women in Blue’s first Test victory at home against England in six attempts. All-rounders Deepti Sharma and Pooja Vastrakar were the stars of the show for the home side. Deepti Sharma was awarded the Player of the Match for her exceptional all-round performances (67 off 113 balls) and (20 off 18 balls) with the bat and (5.3-4-7-5) and (8-2-32-4) with the ball throughout the game. It is also Harmanpreet Kaur’s first Test victory as the captain of the Indian Test side.
First match as a Captain and Harmanpreet Kaur created history for India – a massive 347 Runs victory.#CricketTwitter #INDvENG pic.twitter.com/D1ACShmxIw
— Female Cricket (@imfemalecricket) December 16, 2023