• India achieved a resounding 10-wicket victory over South Africa in the One-off Test at Chennai.

  • Sneh Rana was named Player of the Match for her tremendous bowling performance.

Fans go wild as India thrash South Africa by 10 wickets in the One-off Test
IN-W vs SA-W (Image Source: X)

Table of Contents

In a match marked by milestones and exceptional performances, India have achieved a resounding 10-wicket victory over South Africa at Chennai in the One-off Test, cementing their triumph against all active Test-playing nations. This feat followed their notable wins over England and Australia in 2023 and marked only the second occasion in their history of three consecutive Test victories, a record equaled only by Australia on three occasions.

Shafali Verma’s record-breaking double hundred and India’s dominant chase

From the outset, Shafali Verma set the tone with a breathtaking double hundred on the first day, breaking numerous records and establishing herself as a force to be reckoned with in international cricket. Her blazing innings not only demoralized South Africa but also laid the foundation for India’s commanding position in the match.

Chasing a modest target of 37 runs for victory, India opted to open with Shubha Satheesh alongside Verma. The pair displayed impeccable batting prowess, swiftly reaching the target in just 9.2 overs, underlining India’s dominance and sealing the match in style.

Sneh Rana’s heroics earn her Player of the Match

However, the standout performer for India was Sneh Rana, whose exceptional performance earned her the Player of the Match accolade. Rana showcased her bowling prowess by claiming a total of ten wickets in the match, including a memorable eight-wicket haul in South Africa’s first innings. Her ability to consistently trouble the South African batters proved pivotal in India’s victory march.

Also READ: India overtakes Australia to set new world record for the highest team total in Women’s Test history

South Africa’s spirited resistance led by Laura Wolvaardt

Despite facing a daunting follow-on deficit of 337 runs, South Africa displayed commendable resilience on the final day. Laura Wolvaardt emerged as their standout performer, crafting a masterful maiden Test century. Her marathon innings spanned 314 balls, making her only the third woman in cricket history to achieve centuries across all three international formats.

India’s bowling brilliance and South Africa’s defiant stand

In their second innings, South Africa fought valiantly against India’s potent bowling attack. Deepti Sharma and Sneh Rana struck crucial blows early on Day 4, dismissing key batters Marizanne Kapp and Delmi Tucker. Rajeshwari Gayakwad and Pooja Vastrakar further tightened the screws with pivotal wickets, leaving South Africa reeling.

Despite losing wickets at regular intervals, South Africa’s lower order showed grit and determination. Nadine de Klerk‘s aggressive half-century and Masabata Klaas’ gritty resistance posed intermittent challenges to India’s bowlers. Shafali’s introduction into the bowling attack proved decisive too as she also picked up one wicket. Meanwhile left-arm spinner Gayakwad finished the Proteas innings with the key dismissal of De Klerk for 61.

Despite their relative inexperience in red-ball cricket, South Africa managed to frustrate India’s bowlers for 238.5 overs across both innings. Their total of 373 in the second innings marked the second-highest third-innings total in the history of women’s Test cricket, underscoring their resilience despite the defeat.

Here’s how Fans reacted:

Also READ: Fans erupt as Sophie Ecclestone, Maia Bouchier propel England to a series clinching win over New Zealand in 2nd Women’s ODI

TAGS:

CATEGORY: Featured India South Africa Test Twitter

For latest women cricket news and updates, Follow Us.

About the Author:
AMAR PAL SINGH BHALLA
Amar is a sports enthusiast and a talented writer who has found the perfect career that combines his two passions. As a valuable member of Cricket Times, Amar brings his passion for cricket and his talent for writing to the fore, providing readers with insightful and engaging content. Cricket lives rent-free in his mind. A person who views cricket as a metaphor for life. You can connect with Amar at amar.bhalla@crickettimes.com and also follow him on LinkedIn.