In a record-breaking performance, Australian all-rounder Annabel Sutherland showcased her exceptional skills with both bat and ball, leading Australia Women to a historic Test win against South Africa Women at Perth. The match witnessed a remarkable innings and 284-run victory for Australia, marking their largest-ever triumph in Test cricket.
Annabel Sutherland’s batting masterclass: Fastest women’s Test double century
Australia set the stage with a commanding score of 575/9 declared in response to South Africa’s meager first-innings score of 76. Sutherland etched her name in history by smashing the fastest double century in women’s Test cricket, reaching the milestone in just 248 balls on the second day. Her exceptional batting prowess became the cornerstone of Australia’s dominance.
Also READ: AUS-W vs SA-W: Annabel Sutherland shatters multiple records with sensational double ton in Perth Test
South Africa’s resilient stand and Australia’s response
Facing a substantial deficit, South Africa fought back with a resilient batting display in their second essay. Delmi Tucker (64) and Tazmin Brits (31) formed a gritty 96 runs partnership for the fourth wicket, frustrating the Australian bowlers. However, Ellyse Perry‘s breakthrough disrupted the partnership, triggering a collapse that reduced South Africa to 160-6.
Chloe Tryon’s heroic effort
Chloe Tryon emerged as a beacon of resistance for South Africa, contributing a brilliant 64 off 153 deliveries. Her determined innings pushed the Proteas’ total past 200, extending the contest into a third session. However once she got dismissed, the visitors eventually bundled out for 216.
Sutherland’s double impact: Player of the Match
Fittingly, Annabel Sutherland continued her stellar performance with the ball, claiming 2 crucial wickets for just 11 runs after grabbing three wickets in the first innings. Her all-round brilliance earned her the well-deserved title of Player of the Match. Sutherland’s contribution extended beyond the double century, showcasing her value as a match-winner. She also became the first player to score double century and five-wicket in Women’s Test.
Australia Women’s ongoing dominance across formats
Australia Women’s recent comprehensive victory is yet another testament to their unparalleled dominance across all formats of the game. Having earlier defeated the visitors convincingly in both the T20I series and the ODI series, the team’s prowess is showcased through a combination of collective effort and standout performances from key players.
The remarkable depth in the squad, coupled with stellar displays by players such as Sutherland, further solidifies Australia Women’s status as a formidable force in women’s cricket. Their consistent success across different formats reflects the team’s commitment to excellence and their ability to adapt to varying challenges on the field.
Here’s how Twitter reacted:
A phenomenal performance from Annabel Sutherland, but this match was a great example of the experience the Aussies have gained from playing three Tests in nine months.
The youngsters look at ease playing red-ball cricket and the tactics are improving. More of it!#AUSvSA
— Lachlan McKirdy (@LMcKirdy7) February 17, 2024
Australia defeated South Africa by an innings and 284 runs 🏏#women #cricket #AUSvSA #australiancricket #southafricacricket #CricketTwitter #WomenCricket pic.twitter.com/Cq7Yv3fIzr
— WomenCricket.com (@WomenCricketHQ) February 17, 2024
Scoring a double-century and taking five wickets in a Test match:
Denis Atkinson (WI), 1955
Ted Dexter (ENG), 1962
Mushtaq Mohammad (PAK), 1973
Annabel Sutherland (AUS), 2024#AUSvSA— Nic Savage (@nic_savage1) February 17, 2024
Great to end it with a test match win! Well done Aussies. What a game by Sutherland! #AUSvSA
— Brandon (@BrandonMcKay6) February 17, 2024
That’s a MASSIVE victory to the @AusWomenCricket team – an innings and 284 runs in the inaugural Australia v South Africa women’s test. Proteas looked like getting something going, but the bowlers just kept firing. #AUSvSA
— Davis Harrigan (Digi) (@DeadlineDavis) February 17, 2024
Annabel Sutherland take a bow.
First player EVER to score a double hundred plus take five wickets in a women’s Test match.
Absolute scenes
😱🙌 pic.twitter.com/sw14K5lNNH— Georgie Heath🎙️ (@GeorgieHeath27) February 17, 2024
Comprehensive win for Australia in the Test at the WACA by an innings & nearly 300.
Helps that Australia have played some Test cricket in the last few years and have more of an idea what they’re doing. We need more Womens Tests. #AUSvSA— Michael Shillito (@tealfooty) February 17, 2024
In a surprise to absolutely no one, the presentation starts with POTM going to Annabel Sutherland.
In another non-surprise, POTS goes to Beth Mooney for her 300-odd runs
Australia record the second largest innings victory in WTests and seal a 12-4 victory in the series. 💚💛
— Braedyn Smith (@BraedynSmith) February 17, 2024
Annabel Sutherland the first to score 200 and take five match wickets in a women’s Test. Mark her in for the match award…
— Ric Finlay (@RicFinlay) February 17, 2024
In case it wasn’t abundantly clear. Annabel Sutherland was born for test cricket#AUSvSA
— Emily Lacy (@starkidlacy) February 17, 2024
Australia women won by an innings and
284 run totally out played South Africa women
Hero of the Anna Sutherland who smashed double century#Australia— فیضانِ مظہر ♕︎파이잔 (@Faizanjustine) February 17, 2024
AUSTRALIA WIN AT THE WACA
The Proteas Women’s defiance ends as Australia win in the once-off Test match in Perth 🇦🇺🇿🇦#WozaNawe #BePartOfIt #AUSWvSAW pic.twitter.com/56atsNhjCP
— Proteas Women (@ProteasWomenCSA) February 17, 2024
Australia Women win the only Test by an innings and 284 runs
Great 2nd innings effort from Delmi Tucker & Chloe Tryon, both getting to maiden Test fifties but sadly nothing else from the others #AUSWvSAW
— ThePoppingCrease (@PoppingCreaseSA) February 17, 2024
Australia thoroughly outclassed South Africa.
They won by an inning and 284 Runs. #CricketTwitter #AUSvSA pic.twitter.com/xYFYSqTsvH
— Female Cricket (@imfemalecricket) February 17, 2024
210 with the bat, match figures of 5/30 with the ball, and a catch to top it off
Can’t have been many greater individual test matches than what we have seen from Anabel Sutherland in WA over the last 3 days
— Liam (@LiamMc99) February 17, 2024
Australia’s two main strike bowlers in Sutherland and Brown have absolutely starred in this match and are yet to enter their prime. Ridiculous.#AUSvSA
— Tigerman (@TigermanMelb) February 17, 2024
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This article was first published at WomenCricket.com, a Cricket Times company.