India’s women’s cricket team secured a resounding victory in the one-off Test match against South Africa, clinching the series 1-0 at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai. The win was built on the back of some ruthless performances, highlighted by a record-breaking performance from spinner Sneh Rana, who became only the second Indian women’s cricketer after Jhulan Goswami to bag a ten-wicket haul.
Dominant India Put South Africa Under Pressure
Opting to bat first, India piled up a mammoth 603/6 total on the board. Openers Smriti Mandhana and Shafali Verma laid a strong foundation, with Verma going on to notch up a phenomenal double hundred. The two star openers completely took the game away from the visitors, racking up 292 runs for the opening wicket, a feat which became the highest ever stand by Asian team in the Women’s Test cricket.
Sneh Rana Spins South Africa out, enforces Follow-on
Sneh Rana emerged as the wrecker-in-chief, taking an incredible 8 wickets in the first innings. Her spell restricted South Africa to a paltry 263 runs, handing India a massive 337-run lead. With the opportunity to enforce the follow-on, India aimed to finish the match quickly.
South Africa show fight before succumbing
Forced to bat again, South Africa showed some fight in their second innings. Sune Luus anchored the innings with a brilliant century (109), but the rest of the batting order faltered. The Indian bowlers, led by Rana’s continued brilliance, chipped away at the wickets, eventually dismissing South Africa for 373 runs.
Set a modest target of 37 runs, the Indian batters completed the formality in the fourth innings, securing a comprehensive victory. This win marks India’s eighth Test win, but it holds special significance. They not only displayed their batting prowess with a monumental first-innings total, but also showcased their bowling dominance through Rana’s record-breaking feat and exceptional bowling throughout the match.
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