India’s women’s cricket team showcased their dominance in a clinical 10-wicket victory over South Africa at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai. This match not only highlighted India’s prowess but also solidified their unbeaten record against South Africa in Test cricket, making it 3-0.

Day 1: Strong start for India

India’s innings began on a strong note with solid partnerships that set the foundation for a formidable total. Smriti Mandhana was a standout performer, scoring a brilliant 149 runs. Her partnership with Shafali Verma was particularly noteworthy, as they built a solid opening stand that put India in a commanding position early on.

Day 2: Consolidation and Dominance

On the second day, India continued to build on their strong start, with contributions from the middle order solidifying their position. Harmanpreet Kaur and Deepti Sharma played crucial roles, ensuring that India posted a formidable total. By the end of the day, India had taken a significant lead, putting immense pressure on South Africa.

South Africa’s struggle in the first innings

South Africa’s first innings was marked by early wickets and consistent pressure from India’s bowlers. Rajeshwari Gayakwad and Sneh Rana were particularly effective, picking up crucial wickets and ensuring that South Africa never got into a rhythm. Despite a few resistance efforts, South Africa was bundled out for a modest total.

With a lead of 337 runs, India had a psychological edge over South Africa. This commanding lead not only put India in a strong position but also allowed their bowlers to attack without fear of conceding too many runs. Key performances from the Indian batters ensured that the team maintained their dominance.

South Africa’s resilient fightback

Despite the daunting task ahead, South Africa showed resilience in their second innings. The experienced duo of Laura Wolvaardt and Sune Luus put on a 190-run partnership for the second wicket, showcasing their grit and determination. This partnership was the highlight of South Africa’s innings and gave them a glimmer of hope.

Laura Wolvaardt’s heroics

Laura Wolvaardt’s century was a standout performance in the match. Scoring 122 runs off 314 balls, Wolvaardt became only the third batter in women’s cricket to score hundreds in all three formats. Her innings was a masterclass in patience and technique, earning her accolades and comparisons with cricketing greats.

Sune Luus’ contribution

Sune Luus played a crucial role alongside Wolvaardt, scoring a vital 109 runs. Her innings was marked by strategic shot selection and resilience. Luus’ performance was instrumental in helping South Africa avoid the follow-on and put up a fight in their second innings.

Marizanne Kapp and Nadine de Klerk’s efforts

Marizanne Kapp and Nadine de Klerk contributed significantly to South Africa’s total, with scores of 31 and 61 respectively. Their efforts were crucial in ensuring that South Africa wiped off the deficit and set a target for India. Kapp’s aggressive approach and de Klerk’s resilience were key highlights of their innings.

Despite suffering from lower limb cramps, Sinalo Jafta’s determination saw her return to bat and contribute to South Africa’s total. Her effort epitomized the fighting spirit of the South African team, even in the face of adversity.

India’s bowling prowess

India’s bowlers were exceptional throughout the match. Sneh Rana, Deepti Sharma, and Rajeshwari Gayakwad were the standout performers, picking up crucial wickets at key moments. Rana’s 10-wicket haul in the match was particularly noteworthy, making her only the second Indian bowler after Jhulan Goswami to achieve this feat in a Women’s Test.

Sneh Rana became just the second Indian to register a ten-wicket match haul in Women’s Tests. The off-spinner picked eight wickets in the first innings helping bowl out the visitor for 266 before picking up two more in the second innings to achieve the feat.

Jhulan Goswami is the only other bowler to have picked up ten in a match for India Women, doing so against England at Taunton in 2006.

The final run chase

India’s run chase was a straightforward affair. Despite Smriti Mandhana not coming out to bat, Shafali Verma and Shubha Satheesh ensured that India crossed the finish line with ease. Shafali, continuing her fine form from the first innings, remained unbeaten on 24 runs, guiding India to a 10-wicket victory.

Shafali Verma’s impact

Shafali Verma’s consistent performance was a highlight of the match. Her scores of 205 in the first innings and 24 not out in the second were crucial in India’s victory.

With the Test series concluded, India will now focus on the upcoming 3-match T20I series against South Africa, starting on July 5 at Chepauk.