India’s First Women’s Test: A Historic Match from 50 Years Ago

Indian women’s cricket has grown significantly over the years. Starting as underdogs, they have become strong competitors on the global stage. Their rise gained momentum after finishing second in the 2017 ODI World Cup and currently hold third place in both ICC ODI and T20I rankings.

However, India’s performance in Test cricket has been less consistent. After playing a Test match in 2006, they didn’t play another until 2014, and then again in 2021. By 2026, they had played two Tests: losing to Australia and winning against England.

The history of women’s Test cricket in India began in 1975 when Australia toured the country. The first official women’s Test was played on October 31, 1976, exactly 50 years ago, during a six-Test series against the West Indies at the KSCA Stadium in Bengaluru.

The West Indies, led by Louise Browne, faced Shantha Rangaswamy’s India. Back then, women’s Tests were three-day matches, later changed to four days. The West Indies scored 274 in their first innings, thanks to half-centuries from Gloria Gill (53), Yolande Geddes-Hall (44), and Leila Williams (43). India’s bowlers, Shubhangi Kulkarni took five wickets for 48 runs, while Diana Edulji claimed two.

In reply, India scored 269 for six wickets. Opener Shobha Pandit hit 69 runs, and Rangaswamy scored 74, keeping the crowd of 22,000 engaged. A key moment came when Rangaswamy hit Whittaker’s ball for a six over long-on, the first maximum by an Indian woman at an international level. The stand where this ball landed is now named after Shantha Rangaswamy.

West Indies declared their second innings at 175 for seven, setting India a target of 181. India reached 30 for one when play ended, leading to a draw.

Over the past five decades, India has played 42 Tests, winning nine, losing seven, and drawing 27. In the 1976 series against the West Indies, four matches were drawn, ending in a 1-1 tie with India winning one game and West Indies securing another to avoid defeat.