Perth, Feb 18 (FN Agency) Despite fighting knocks from Delmi Tucker and Chloe Tryon in South Africa’s second innings, Australia women went on to secure a massive win here, by a margin of an innings and 284 runs. This was Australia’s largest victory by the margin of innings, overcoming their previous best of innings and 140 runs against England in 2001. This was also the second-biggest win by the margin of runs by an innings. Alyssa Healy won the toss and elected to field in searing hot conditions at the WACA, Perth. Rising fast bowling star Darcie Brown ran through the Proteas batting lineup and restricted them to 76 allout with her maiden five-wicket haul. This was South Africa Women’s lowest-ever total in Test cricket.
After suffering early stutters against Masabata Klaas, Australia took control of their batting innings with brilliant fifties from Beth Mooney (78) and Alyssa Healy (99). However, it was Annabel Sutherland’s brilliant maiden double ton which helped the hosts press their advantage even further. Sutherland was the ninth double centurion in the women’s Tests and the fifth player for Australia to get to the milestone.Sutherland reached her landmark double ton off just 248 balls, making it the fastest double century in women’s Tests; the previous best being Karen Rolton’s off 306 balls. She also became the youngest Australian woman to score a double hundred.Sutherland was eventually dismissed on 210, a tremendous knock that included 27 fours and two sixes. Australia ended up declaring on 575/9 – the highest total in women’s Tests, breaking their own record set in 1998. Brief score: Australia Women 575/9 dSouth Africa Women 76 and 215