Chennai – The Indian women's cricket team secured a commanding 10-wicket victory over South Africa on Monday, the fourth day of the only Test match played at MA Chidambaram Stadium.
First Innings Dominance:
India, batting first, declared their innings at an imposing 603 for 6, powered by Shafali Verma's double century (205) and Smriti Mandhana's century (149). In response, South Africa managed 266 in their first innings, prompting India to enforce the follow-on. South Africa was then bowled out for 373 in their second innings, setting a target of 37 runs for India to win.
Chasing the Target:
India's opening pair, Shafali Verma and Shubha Satish, comfortably chased down the target in 9.2 overs without losing a wicket. Shafali remained unbeaten on 24, while Shubha scored 13. Sneh Rana, who took 10 wickets in the match, was named Player of the Match for her outstanding bowling performance.
South Africa's Second Innings Fight:
In their second innings, South Africa scored 373, with centuries from Laura Wolvaardt (122) and Sune Luus (109). Nadine de Klerk also contributed with a half-century (61). For India, Sneh Rana, Deepti Sharma, and Rajeshwari Gaikwad took two wickets each, while Pooja Vastrakar, Shafali Verma, and captain Harmanpreet Kaur claimed one wicket each.
First Innings Recap:
South Africa's first innings ended at 266, with notable contributions from Sune Luus (65) and Marijne Kapp (74). Sneh Rana was the standout bowler for India, taking 8 wickets, while Deepti Sharma took 2.
Historic Partnership:
The match saw Shafali Verma and Smriti Mandhana creating history with the highest partnership for the first wicket in women's Test cricket, scoring 292 runs together. Mandhana's innings ended at 149 after she nicked a ball to slip, while Shubha Satish added 15 runs before falling to Nadine de Klerk.
Shafali continued her aggressive play, scoring 205 runs off 197 balls, including 23 fours and 8 sixes. Jemimah Rodrigues contributed 55 runs before becoming Delmi Tucker's second victim.
Captain's Knock:
Captain Harmanpreet Kaur (69) and Richa Ghosh (86) further bolstered India's score before the declaration. Deepti Sharma remained unbeaten on 2. For South Africa, Delmi Tucker took 2 wickets, while Nadine de Klerk, Sekhukhune, and Malaba claimed one each.
India's comprehensive victory showcased their dominance in the only Test, with exceptional performances from both batters and bowlers, setting a high benchmark in women's Test cricket.
