The Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 has already entered the thrilling mode as the five-match Test series is currently at 1-1 with three more Tests to be played. The Gabba in Brisbane will host the third Test of the series, starting on December 14. Talking about the Indian batting line-up in this crucial series, all eyes are on the former Indian captain Virat Kohli.  

The 36-year-old Indian cricketer Virat Kohli started the Test series with five runs in the first innings of the Perth Test. However, in the crucial third innings of that Test match, Kohli scored a brilliant century (100*) that helped the Indian team to claim a memorable win in the Test match.

However, while India lost the second Test at Adelaide, which was a day-night pink ball Test match, Kohli scored seven and 11 runs in that Test match.

India's success in this Test series is majorly dependent on Kohli's batting performances. However, the former Indian captain is struggling to handle the fourth stump line. 

It is not a new story that Kohli is coming to bat and new records are creating. For the Brisbane Test, Kohli is very close to six following Test records. 

100 international matches against Australia

• The Gabba Test will be Kohli’s 100th international match against Australia. With this upcoming Test match, the Indian cricketer will become only the second player in international cricket history to play 100 or more international matches against Australia. Legendary Indian cricketer Sachin Tendulkar holds the record for most international matches against Australia with 110 international matches. 

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Most Test runs by an Indian against Australia

• Kohli is currently in fourth place in the list of most Test runs by an Indian against Australia with 2165 Test runs. With two more runs, the right-handed batter will surpass the legendary Indian batter Rahul Dravid’s record of 2166 Test runs and become the third-leading Test run-scorer by an Indian against Australia. Although Dravid scored 2143 Test runs against Australia for India, he scored the remaining 23 runs for the ICC World XI in 2005. 

Most international runs against Australia in Australia

• Kohli is just eight runs away from becoming the second-most run-scorer in international cricket against Australia in Australia. While the Indian right-handed batter has scored 2728 international runs in Australia, former Caribbean star Desmond Haynes is currently in second place in the list with 2736 international runs against the hosts Australia. Legendary Caribbean cricketer Sir Viv Richards is leading the table with 3665 international runs against the hosts Australia. 

1500 Test runs in Australia

• After the legendary Indian batter Sachin Tendulkar, who scored 1809 Test runs in Australia, Kohli (1475 Test runs) will become the second Indian to score 1500 Test runs in Australia by adding 25 more Test runs. Meanwhile, Kohli will become the 10th visiting batter to score 1500 Test runs in Australia.  

Most Test centuries by a non-Australian in Australia

• With one more Test century in Australia, Indian cricketer Virat Kohli will become the second-most Test centuries record holder by a non-Australian batter in Australia. Kohli has hit seven Test hundreds in Australia, which is equal to the legendary English cricketer Wally Hammond’s feat. English legend Sir Jack Hobbs holds the record for most Test centuries by a non-Australian batter in Australia with nine hundreds. 
  

Scoring Test centuries in five iconic Australian cities

• Legendary Indian cricketer Sunil Gavaskar and the legendary English opener Alastair Cook are the only two batters to record Test centuries in each of the five iconic cities in Australia. Gavaskar and Cook both scored Test centuries in Adelaide, Brisbane, Melbourne, Perth, and Sydney. While Kohli scored a century in the Perth Test of the ongoing Test series opener, he previously scored Test centuries in Adelaide, Melbourne, and Sydney. If he scores a Test century in the Brisbane Test, he will enter the rare list of scoring at least one century in five iconic Australian cities. 

Australia’s first-innings total of 104 in Perth is their second-lowest in home Tests against India, only behind their infamous 83 all-out in Melbourne in 1981. This also marks their third-lowest home total since 1985 and their fourth-lowest overall against India. The collapse highlights the dominance of the Indian bowling attack on a surface known to favor batters historically.

India secure 46-run lead despite modest batting performance

India’s first-innings score of 150 gave them a significant 46-run lead, the fifth-highest lead in Test history by a team scoring 150 or less while batting first. The record remains England's 71-run lead against Australia in the 1888 Sydney Test after being bowled out for just 113. This marks only the third instance of India claiming a first-innings lead after scoring 150 or less, the other two being Hamilton (2002) and Lord’s (1936).

Australia’s top order falter with lowest contribution in decades

Australia’s top six batters managed just 37 runs in the first innings—their lowest contribution in a home Test since scoring 22 runs against West Indies in Brisbane in 1978. The combined efforts of both teams’ top five batters in the first innings aggregated only 97 runs, the lowest in a Test since the 67 runs by India and West Indies in the 1987 Delhi Test.

Partnerships struggle to survive in low-scoring match

Only two partnerships in the first two innings of the match survived ten or more overs, underlining the challenging conditions. Rishabh Pant and Nitish Kumar Reddy added a crucial 48 runs for India’s seventh wicket, while Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood fought hard for a 26-run stand for Australia’s tenth wicket. A staggering 18 partnerships fell for less than 20 runs, equaling the record for a men’s Test match.

Bumrah shines as captain with record-breaking 5-wicket haul

Jasprit Bumrah’s 5 for 30 in Perth was a historic spell, making him the first Indian captain since Anil Kumble in 2007 to claim a five-wicket haul in Tests. This was Bumrah’s ninth five-for outside Asia, tying him with Kapil Dev for the most by an Indian in such conditions. Notably, this was Bumrah’s second five-wicket haul in Australia, with the others spread across England, South Africa, and West Indies.

See Also: Tilak Varma scripts history with record-breaking 151 in SMAT

Lowest aggregate first-innings total in over 40 years

The combined first-innings total of 254 runs by both teams—India’s 150 and Australia’s 104—is the lowest in a Test match in Australia since the 1981 WACA Test between Australia and Pakistan, which saw a combined score of 242 runs.

The much-awaited Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 is set to begin. It will be the first five-match Test series in the BGT history. Last time, the India vs Australia Test series had more than four matches during the 1991-92 Test series in Australia, which was a five-match Test series. 

The latest five-match Test series opener between Australia and India will be played at Perth Stadium from November 22. 

Before beginning the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25, let's check some key facts related to the series. 

Test series stories with a minimum of two matches

India have the chance to win three successive Test series in Australia and five consecutive Test series against Australia. 

(Straight Test series wins in Australia)

Previously, England (1882-83, 1884-85, and 1886-87), the West Indies (1984-85, 1988-89, and 1992-93), and South Africa (2008-09, 2012-13, and 2016-17) recorded winning three successive Test series in Australia one each. Although West Indies have a record of not losing five consecutive Test series in Australia between 1979-80 and 1992-93, the second series ended in a draw. 

(Straight Test series wins against Australia)

On the other hand, between 1882-83 and 1890, England won seven successive Test series against Australia (home + away). Meanwhile, between 1977-78 and 1992-93, West Indies recorded eight straight series unbeaten against Australia (home + away). These are the only two stories with Australia’s five successive Test series defeats against a team.

When did India lose the last away Test series?

India last time lost an away Test series during the 2021-22 season, where their South Africa tour ended with a 2-1 series defeat in the three-match Test series. In their last three away Test series, India won twice (Bangladesh and West Indies) and drew one Test series (South Africa).

When did India lose two consecutive Test series last time?

In 2018, India last suffered two consecutive Test series in England and South Africa.

At present, India are touring Australia after losing the three-match home Test series against New Zealand by 3-0. 

Australia’s recent Test series records

Since India won the 2020-21 Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Australia, Australia have lost only one Test (against West Indies at Brisbane in 2024) out of 15 Tests (12 wins and two draws). Since losing the 2020-21 Border-Gavaskar Trophy at home, Australia won four successive home Test series before drawing their last home Test series against West Indies.

After losing the away Test series in India in the 2022-23 season, Australia are unbeaten in the Test series by winning two times and drawing two times. 

India’s Favourite Venues in Australia

India won four Tests out of 14 Tests at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (lost eight and drew twice). They are unbeaten at the MCG in their last three Tests, where India won the last two after recording a draw. The last time Australia beat India at the MCG was in December 2011. 

Adelaide Oval is the only other Test venue in Australia where India have recorded multiple Test wins. They won the Adeialde Tests in December 2003 and December 2018. 

Do You Know?

• Australia haven’t won a Border-Gavaskar Trophy in the ICC World Test Championship history. India have won two Border-Gavaskar Trophies in the ICC WTC history. While Australia won the ICC World Test Championship 2023 Final against India, it wasn’t part of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy.
• The Border-Gavaskar Trophy ended with a draw result only once when India toured Australia in 2003-04 (1-1). 
• India have won more matches than Australia in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy history. While India have won 24 Tests, Australia have won 20 Tests, and 12 Tests finished with the draw results. 
• India have won more Test series than Australia in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy history. India have won 10 Test series and Australia have managed to win five Test series.  
• Among the Australian Test venues, India have recorded the most 400s (seven innings) and most 500s (four innings) at the Sydney Cricket Ground, which they all recorded after 1978 but failed to win all those Tests. India’s only Test victory at the SCG was recorded in 1978. In the other 12 Tests at the SCG, India lost five and drew seven games. 

The rivalry between India and Australia in Test cricket is one of the most celebrated contests in the sport. With a history dating back to 1947-48, this clash has produced unforgettable matches, marked by exceptional performances from legendary players. While batsmen often take the spotlight, bowlers play an equally critical role in securing victories in the longest format of the game.

Indian bowlers, both spinners and pacers, have risen to the challenge against Australia, delivering spellbinding performances that have etched their names in cricketing history. Here’s a look at the top five Indian bowlers with the most wickets against Australia in Test cricket.

5. Kapil Dev – 79 wickets

India’s first World Cup-winning captain, Kapil Dev, was a masterful all-rounder who thrived against Australia. In 20 Tests between 1979 and 1992, Kapil claimed 79 wickets at an impressive average of 25.35. His fiery spell of 8/106 in Adelaide during the 1985-86 series remains etched in memory, as he dismantled a strong Australian batting lineup led by Allan Border.

4. Ravindra Jadeja – 89 wickets

A modern-day maestro, Ravindra Jadeja has emerged as a consistent performer against Australia. In 17 Tests, Jadeja has taken 89 wickets at an average of 18.89, showcasing his ability to excel in both Indian and Australian conditions. His 7/42 at Delhi’s Arun Jaitley Stadium in 2023 stands out as one of the most dominant spells in recent history, helping India secure a resounding victory.

3. Harbhajan Singh – 95 wickets
Harbhajan Singh’s magical spells against Australia earned him the nickname "The Turbanator." In 18 Tests, he picked 95 wickets, highlighted by his stunning performance in the 2001 Border-Gavaskar Trophy. With 32 wickets in three matches, including a memorable hat-trick at Kolkata, Harbhajan proved to be Australia’s nemesis time and again. His best figures of 8/84 underline his dominance over the mighty Aussies.

2. Anil Kumble – 111 wickets

Anil Kumble, India’s highest wicket-taker in Tests, was a force to be reckoned with against Australia. Over 20 matches, he scalped 111 wickets, including 10 five-wicket hauls. Kumble’s precision and ability to exploit spin-friendly conditions made him Australia’s biggest challenge. His iconic 8/141 at the Sydney Cricket Ground during the 2003-04 tour remains one of the finest spells by an Indian bowler Down Under.

1. Ravichandran Ashwin – 114 wickets

Sitting at the top of the list is Ravichandran Ashwin, who has taken 114 wickets in 22 Tests against Australia. Known for his tactical brilliance and versatility, Ashwin’s standout performance came in Chennai in 2013, where he recorded figures of 7/103 and 5/95. With an impressive mix of spin variations, Ashwin continues to trouble Australian batters both at home and away, cementing his legacy as one of India’s finest.

India’s bowlers have played a pivotal role in scripting historic victories against Australia. From Kapil Dev’s fiery pace to Ashwin’s guileful spin, these legends have consistently delivered match-winning performances. Their ability to adapt to vastly different conditions in India and Australia has made the rivalry thrilling to watch.

See Also: The Future of KL Rahul: Opportunities and Challenges

As India and Australia continue to produce epic battles on the field, the legacy of these iconic bowlers serves as a reminder of the importance of taking 20 wickets to win a Test match. With each series, new stars emerge, but the contributions of these stalwarts will forever remain an integral part of this storied rivalry.

India vs. Australia has been one of the most exciting rivalries in cricket history, delivering unforgettable matches since their first encounter in 1947-48. The contrasting playing conditions in the two countries add a layer of intrigue, making every series unique. Over the decades, many Indian batters have risen to the challenge, dominating Australian bowlers at home and away.

Here’s a look at the top five Indian batters who have scored the most runs against Australia in Test cricket.

5. Virat Kohli – 2042 Runs

Former Indian captain Virat Kohli has an outstanding record against Australia across formats. In Test cricket, he ranks fifth among Indians with the most runs against the Aussies.

In 25 matches, Kohli has amassed 2042 runs at an average of 47.48, including eight centuries (the second-most by an Indian vs. Australia) and five half-centuries. His highest score of 186 reflects his dominance with the bat. Kohli's leadership was historic; under him, India secured their first-ever Test series victory in Australia in 2018-19.

4. Cheteshwar Pujara – 2074 Runs

Known for his grit and resilience, Cheteshwar Pujara has been a thorn in Australia’s side. Between 2010 and 2023, Pujara played 25 Tests against them, scoring 2074 runs at an average of 49.38.

Pujara was instrumental in India’s victories in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) series, emerging as the highest scorer in 2016-17 and 2018-19, and the second-highest in 2020-21. His tally includes five centuries and 11 half-centuries, proving his consistency across challenging conditions.

3. Rahul Dravid – 2143 Runs

Rahul Dravid, often referred to as The Wall, was a dependable batter for India in tough situations. Against Australia, he played 32 Tests between 1996 and 2012, scoring 2143 runs at an average of 39.68.

Dravid's contributions included two centuries and 13 half-centuries. His memorable 233 at Adelaide in 2003, and his partnership with VVS Laxman at Eden Gardens in 2001, underline his significance in India’s Test cricket history.

2. VVS Laxman – 2434 Runs

VVS Laxman had a special connection with playing against Australia, producing some of his career-best performances. He scored 2434 runs in 29 Tests between 1998 and 2012 at an impressive average of 49.67.

His innings of 281 at Eden Gardens in 2001 remains one of the greatest Test knocks of all time, helping India achieve a famous comeback win. Laxman’s six centuries and 12 half-centuries against Australia further highlight his ability to perform under pressure.

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1. Sachin Tendulkar – 3630 Runs

The Master Blaster Sachin Tendulkar tops the list with 3630 runs against Australia, the most by any Indian and second-most overall in Test cricket. Tendulkar played 39 Tests against Australia from 1991 to 2013, averaging 55 with 11 centuries and 16 half-centuries.

His innings of 241 not out in Sydney in 2004 showcased his mastery over the Australian bowlers. Tendulkar’s consistency and ability to rise to the occasion made him the Aussies’ biggest challenge for over two decades.

The India-Australia rivalry in Test cricket is more than just a contest—it’s a battle of grit, skill, and legacy. These five batters have left an indelible mark on this storied competition, inspiring generations of cricketers and fans alike.

The extraordinary might of the Australian team was crushed at the Adelaide Oval as Pakistani speedster Haris Rauf ran through the batting lineup like a hot knife through the butter. On a steamy pace-friendly wicket, Rauf extracted prodigious bounce and seam movement to trouble the Aussie batters early on. He received ample support from his pace counterpart Shaheen, who accounted for three dismissals while Naseem and Hasnain finished with one wicket apiece.

Four out of five of his dismissals featured soft dismissals that came in the form of caught behind whereas one solitary dismissal came in the form of bold dismissal. Inglis, Labuschagne, Hardie, Maxwell, and Cummins succumbed to his hostile pace bowling. His figures of 5-29 are his best-recorded ODI figures on Australian soil and on the back of such a ground-breaking performance, the Men in Green can now dream of a potential victory in this series. 

A look into Haris Rauf's obliterating bowling spell   

Out-class Spell by Haris Rauf Today #PAKvsAUS pic.twitter.com/9zKl7mAYAb

— Ahsan Shah 💙 (@parh_ly_ahsan) November 8, 2024

Inglis was the first victim to fall to Rauf's hostile bowling. He was dismissed during the 14th over when he attempted to pull a shortish delivery angling down the leg side. Haris was rewarded for this ordinary delivery as Inglis only managed to get some glove on the way making it all too easy for Rizwan to complete a simple catch behind the stumps. 

Labuschagne was the next batter to depart and he was dismissed at a very crucial time when Australia needed a partnership to stay afloat. Rauf bowled an absolute peach in the form of a seam-up delivery and Labuschagne poked at it tentatively to find the outside edge through to Rizwan behind the stumps. 

Hardie was the next victim to fall and he too succumbed in a very similar fashion as his predecessor Labuschagne during the 26th over of the match. A regulation seam-up delivery on a length deviated very late to take the outside edge of Hardie's bat which ultimately resulted in his demise on 14.

Then a big wicket of Maxwell which completely derailed Australia during the 28th over. Maxwell made a very poor choice to counter-attack Rauf for which he paid a hefty price.  Maxwell's eyes lit up after seeing a short and wide delivery outside off. He tried to take a swipe at it only to drag the ball back onto his stumps.

And then finally, Rauf delivered a final nail in the coffin by removing the skipper Cummins who could have threatened Pakistan in the dying phase of the innings. His dismissal broke the back of the Australian innings as the home side failed to put up a big score on the board.

Where does the match currently stand? 

Shaheen Afridi picked up the final wicket of the innings to clean up Australia for 163. Haris's inspirational bowling spell has given the visitors a fighting chance of getting back into the series. The Men in Green narrowly missed out in the first ODI at Melbourne but with such a relatively small target to chase, Pakistan find themselves on the cusp of a maiden ODI victory in Australia since 2017. 

See also: Low scoring Oman vs UAE ODI enters the record books

England leveled the ODI series by creating history in the second game of the three-match ODI series against the hosts West Indies at Antigua. 

Trailing the series by 1-0, England chose to field first after winning the toss in the second game of the series. After West Indies scored 328/6 in 50 overs, England successfully reached the target in 47.3 overs after losing five wickets.

Captain Shai Hope scored a century in the first innings

Captain Shai Hope scored his 17th ODI century as his 117 off 127 balls (eight fours and four sixes) powered the Caribbean team to score a big ODI total. Keacy Carty (71) and Sherfane Rutherford (54) supported him with half-centuries, while Shimron Hetmyer (24), Roston Chase (20*), and Matthew Forde (23*) brought some useful cameos.

Captain Liam Livingstone fired a match-winning century

In reply, although England lost a couple of wickets cheaply, they always had some useful partnerships. Opener Phil Salt (59), Jacob Bethell (55), and Sam Curran (52) scored valuable half-centuries, while the captain Liam Livingstone scored his maiden ODI century as he remained not out on 124 runs off 85 balls (five fours and nine sixes) to guide the visitors to reach the target safely. 

Both captains scored centuries in the same ODI

• It was the seventh time in ODI cricket history that both captains scored centuries in the same game. 

• England also became the first team to successfully chase three 300+ ODI targets in the West Indies. Even the hosts West Indies have recorded it twice. 

Second highest successful ODI chase in West Indies

• England recorded the second-highest successful ODI chase in the West Indies. They also hold the record for the highest successful chase of 361 runs against West Indies in the 2019 Bridgetown ODI. 

While India celebrated the opening day of the Pune Test against New Zealand with strong bowling performances, the batting collapse put the hosts in danger of losing the Test as well as the home series against New Zealand. Can we see any dramatic comeback from the hosts? In other words, is there any previous Test match history of successful fourth innings chasing after getting behind 100 or more runs at the end of the first innings battles? 

Leading the three-match away Test series by 1-0, New Zealand captain Tom Latham chose to bat first in the second Test at Pune. While India can’t afford another defeat in this home Test series, which is also a part of the 2023-2025 ICC World Test Championship, another win for the Blackcaps will only mean their historic Test series win in India.

India are in deep trouble at Pune Test

On the opening day of the Pune Test, New Zealand were bowled out for 259 runs. While Ravichandran Ashwin (3/64) picked up the first three wickets, Washington Sundar recorded his first Test fifer and ended with the bowling figures of 23.1-4-59-7 on his Test comeback.

Starting the second day of the Pune Test at 16/1, Indian opener Yashasvi Jaiswal and the no.4 batter Shubman Gill took the team to score 50 runs. But then the hosts lost wickets quickly, as India lost five wickets to score the next 50 runs.

Apart from Jaiswal (30), Gill (30), and Ravindra Jadeja (38) all other Indian batters failed to reach the 20-run mark as India were bundled out for only 156 runs. New Zealand left-arm spinner Mitchell Santner also claimed a seven-wicket haul (7/53), as he recorded the third-best bowling figures by a New Zealand bowler against India in a Test innings. 

New Zealand started their second innings with a 103-run lead. At the end of the second day, the visitors scored 198/5 with a lead of 301 runs. Although Washington Sundar also picked up four wickets in the second innings (4/56) and already completed his first Test 10-wicket haul, the achievement has been overshadowed.

Is there any chance for India at the Pune Test?

Now the question is, can India turn the table in the fourth innings? New Zealand’s lead has already crossed the 300-run mark, and the visitors will surely add some more important runs on the third day. So, it means that the hosts India will have to chase a big fourth innings target in the Pune Test.

What do the records say?

Here, we will only discuss Test matches in which a team had a 100+ run deficit at the end of the first innings battles but still successfully chased the fourth innings target to record a stunning win. This means that the team batted first in the second innings of a Test match and wasn’t forced to follow on.  

Talking about Indian cricket history, we have seen this picture only once. Yes, only once India won a Test match by successfully chasing a fourth innings target despite trailing by 100+ runs at the end of the first innings battles.

Historic 1978 Port of Spain Test

It was the historic 1978 Port of Spain Test match against India. After the hosts West Indies scored 359 runs, India were all out for 228 runs as the visitors were trailing by 131 runs. The hosts set a 403-run target after declaring their second innings for 271/6. 

While none of the Indian batters managed the half-century mark in their first innings, opener Sunil Gavaskar scored 102 runs, while Mohinder Amarnath was run out for 85 runs, and Gundappa Viswanath was run out after scoring 112 runs. Also, Brijesh Patel scored 49 not out as the Bishan Bedi-led Indian team won that match by six wickets after reaching the target in 147 overs after losing four wickets.

2001 Kolkata Test can't join the upper list

There was another such incident in Indian cricket, which is unforgettable. During the historic 2001 Kolkata Test, India suffered a 274-run deficit. However, India were enforced to follow on, and Australia batted the fourth innings to chase the 384-run target. By bowling out the visitors for 212 runs, India clinched a famous Test win. However, it can’t be considered in the upper list due to India’s follow on and Australia’s batting in the fourth innings. 

Overall Test cricket history

In Test cricket history, 23 matches experienced a successful fourth innings chase for a team despite trailing by 100+ runs at the end of the first innings battle (excluding the 2000 Centurion Test between South Africa and England, which experienced a 0/0 declaration from England and forfeited innings from South Africa). England have recorded it 10 times. 

In the meantime, in the list of leading by more than 100 runs at the end of the first innings battles and still failing to defend the fourth innings target, New Zealand recorded it four times, twice at home and twice away. 

How many times are the 300+ runs chased in the fourth innings in India? 

Talking about the fourth innings target chase in India, 300+ runs have been chased only once. During the 2008 Chennai Test against England, India successfully chased a 387-run target after losing only four wickets.

So, we can see there are a few past records that can still favours team India in the current situation at the Pune Test, but those were highly rare occurrences. 

The ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2024 just ended as New Zealand Women won their first Women’s T20 World Cup trophy. South Africa Women once again finished as the runners-up, which they recorded in two consecutive editions. 

During the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2024 in the United Arab Emirates, where ten teams participated and 23 matches were played, we experienced some great performances. 

Here, we are going through the top five performances in the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2024.

Megan Schutt (Australia Women): 3/3 (vs New Zealand Women) in Group Stage

It was a crucial Group A match between Australia Women and New Zealand Women. After Australia Women chose to bat first at Sharjah, the six-time champions scored 148/8, which was a challenging total. However, the right-arm medium pacer’s disciplined bowling confirmed the no easy breath for the White Ferns batting.

Starting the second innings with a maiden over,  Megan Schutt dismissed New Zealand opener Georgia Plimmer for only four runs in her second over, where she conceded only two runs. The White Ferns never made a comeback in the chasing as the 31-year-old dismissed set Amelia Kerr (29) in the 12th over of the innings, where she conceded only one run. Schutt returned to bowl the final over, where she dismissed Eden Carson (5) on the second delivery to confirm their victory by 60 runs after bundling out New Zealand Women for 88 runs.

Schutt ended the match with the bowling figures of 3.2-1-3-3, where she delivered 18 dot balls. 

Sophie Devine (New Zealand Women): 57 not out (vs India Women) in Group Stage

It was the first match of the tournament for both New Zealand Women and India Women in Group A. After New Zealand Women captain Sophie Devine chose to bat first at Dubai, they scored 55/0 at the end of the powerplay. However, the White Ferns were struggling after the powerplay.

When Amelia Kerr was dismissed in the 14.2 overs, New Zealand Women scored 99/3. It meant that they scored 44 runs from 50 balls in the post-powerplay. However, set-batter Devine played an inspirational innings that helped New Zealand Women manage the first batting total of 160/4.

Although Devine started slowly by scoring six runs off the first 10 balls, she then hit two consecutive fours in the 13th over. Between the 15th and 16th overs, Devine hit three fours in four balls. In the last four overs, Devine played only one dot ball and added 24 runs in 14 balls, where the right-handed batter hit two fours. Devine ended that innings with 57 not out in 36 balls with the help of seven fours.

In reply, India Women were all out for only 102 runs, where the White Ferns skipper also took three catches. Although Rosemary Mair (4/19) and Lea Tahuhu (3/15) dominated with the ball, captain Devine won the Player of the Match award. 

Hayley Matthews (West Indies Women): 50 runs (vs England Women) in Group Stage

Talking about this match, it was a must-win game for both teams, and both the Caribbean openers Qiana Joseph and captain Hayley Matthews can be considered for this list, but here we are talking about Hayley Matthews rather than the Player of the Match Qiana Joseph.

West Indies Women had a target of 142 runs, and they needed to reach the target faster to earn the top spot of the Group B points table. 

Unlike her opening partner Joseph, who was dropped three times, Matthews’ batting was more solid. After hitting an over-boundary on the second ball of the innings, the Caribbean captain hit two more fours in that first over of the second innings. It set the tone for West Indies Women. She hit four fours in the late part of the powerplay, including three fours in the final four balls of the sixth over. 

After scoring 35 off 19 balls at the end of the powerplay, Matthews continued her dominant batting with Joseph. They had a 102-run partnership for the first wicket, where Matthews completed her 14th T20I fifty in 37 balls. After scoring 50 off 38 balls, Matthews was dismissed. West Indies Women comfortably reached the target in 18 overs after losing only four wickets.  

Anneke Bosch (South Africa Women): 74 not out (vs Australia Women) in Semi-final

Well, you are beating the six-time champions and seven-time finalists in the semi-final, and there is no special performance; it only becomes odd. However, this strange thing is not the case for South Africa Women. 

Chasing down the 135-run target at Dubai, South Africa Women’s in-form opener Tazmin Brits was dismissed early for 15 runs. While the skipper and another opener Laura Wolvaardt required a good partner, the No. 3 batter Anneke Bosch played a stunning innings. Bosch was struggling in the entire tournament as she was failing to manage her strike rate of over 100, but the semifinal match was completely different for her. 

Bosch got a good start as she hit back-to-back two fours while facing the first 10 balls. While she strongly maintained her 100+ strike rate, her batting in the 12th and 13th overs just put the favourites Aussies in a hopeless situation. After hitting one four and one six to Georgia Wareham in the 12th over, she hit two fours to Ashleigh Gardner in the 13th over. 

While Wolvaardt was out after scoring 42 runs, Bosch ensured Proteas’ historic win against Australia Women by scoring 74 not out off 48 balls with the help of eight fours and one six. Without a doubt, it was one of the greatest batting performances in tournament history. 

Amelia Kerr (New Zealand Women): 43 and 3/24 (vs South Africa Women) in Final

New Zealand all-rounder Amelia Kerr was unstoppable in the entire tournament, especially with the ball, where she took at least one wicket in every match. In fact, she picked up at least two wickets in the last five games. With 15 wickets (the most wickets in the tournament) and 135 runs (ninth most run-scorer), Kerr won the Player of the Tournament award. 

In this article, we are talking about her performance in the final, where she won the Player of the Match award for her brilliant all-round performances. After South Africa Women sent the White Ferns to bat first at Dubai, New Zealand Women scored 158/5 in 20 overs. 

Kerr came to bat in the second over and hit a four on the first ball. She then batted patiently till the 14th over, before which she hadn’t hit another boundary. In the 15th over, she hit a four to Nadine de Klerk. In the last five overs of the innings, before Kerr was dismissed in the 19th over, she scored 16 runs in 10 balls with two fours. Nonkululeko Mlaba dismissed Kerr for 43 runs off 38 balls. 

Later in the bowling, Kerr returned with the best bowling figures in the match with 4-0-24-3. She dismissed the in-form captain and set batter Loura Wolvaardt (33) and Anneke Bosch (9) in her second over. In her last over, Annerie Dercksen (10) was caught out at extra cover. South Africa Women only managed to score 126/9, as New Zealand Women won the match by 32 runs. 

New Zealand finally ended their 36-year-long wait for a Test victory in India after comfortably winning the Bengaluru Test by eight wickets on Sunday morning. 

After bundling out the hosts India for only 46 runs on the second day, New Zealand scored 402 runs in their first innings. 

Starting their second innings trailing by 356 runs, the top Indian batters fought brilliantly, but the lower-middle order collapse resulted in India’s all out for 462 runs. 

Chasing down the 107-run target in the fourth innings, although both the openers were dismissed cheaply, Will Young and Test match hero Rachin Ravindra comfortably guided the visitors to the target. New Zealand reached the target in the 28th over after losing only two wickets. 

India all out for 46 runs.

• India’s lowest completed total in a Test innings at home. The previous record was 75 all out against West Indies at Delhi in 1987. 
• India’s third-lowest completed total in a Test innings. India scored 36 all out in the 2020 Adelaide Test and 42 all out in the 1974 Lord’s Test. 
  

New Zealand all out for 402 runs.

• While it was New Zealand’s third Test win, their first innings total was their highest Test innings total in a winning cause in India. New Zealand’s previous record in this list was 319 during the first innings of the 1969 Nagpur Test.
• The 402 total was the sixth-highest total for New Zealand in Test innings in India.

At the end of the first innings battles, New Zealand earned a 356-run lead against India.

• It was the highest first innings lead for New Zealand in a Test match against India (considering both New Zealand batting first or second). Their previous record was 314 runs lead during the 2009 Napier Test. On the other hand, their previous highest first innings lead record in India was 209 runs during the 1965 Brabourne Test. 

• It was also the joint fourth-highest first innings lead for a team in a Test match against the hosts India. 

Highest first innings lead against India in India in Test cricket

(Note: * considering the lead at the end of both teams’ first innings)

India all out for 462 runs.

• It was the highest Test innings total for the hosts India in a losing cause. The previous record was 449 all out against Pakistan in the 2005 Bengaluru Test. 

• It was the fourth-highest Test innings total for India in a losing cause.

Highest Test innings totals for India in a losing cause

India scored 508 runs in this match.

• It was the fourth-highest Test match total for India in a losing cause against New Zealand.
  

India's highest Test match aggregated totals in a losing cause against New Zealand

India had a 416-run difference between their first (46) and second innings totals (462) of the match. 

• India recorded their third-largest difference between their two innings totals of a Test match.

India’s highest differences between the two totals in a Test match

(Note: Excluding declared lowest innings)