One-off Test: South Africa fight back after Sneha Rana's heroics for India
One-off Test: South Africa fight back after Sneha Rana's heroics for India
CHENNAI: Indian spinner Sneh Rana’s (8-77) spectacular spell in the first innings was overshadowed by a resolute performance from South Africa on Day Three of the one-off Test here on Sunday.
After South Africa were bowled out for 266, courtesy offspinner Sneh’s masterclass, the hosts enforced a follow-on. The visitors then staged a comeback as Sune Luus (109, 203b; 18x4) was once again in the thick of things. On Saturday, she scored a composed half-century and paired with Marizanne Kapp to keep India at bay.
In the second innings, Luus found company in skipper Laura Wolvaardt (93 batting, 252; 12x4) and together they stitched together a massive 190-run association for the second wicket. It was the highest South African partnership for any wicket in women’s Tests.
Responding to India’s mammoth first-innings tally of 603/6, South Africa were 232/2 in 85 overs at stumps, trailing by 105 runs. To reach there, the SA batters dealt with the Indian attack patiently.
Proteas’ opener Anneke Bosch’s wicket off Deepti Sharma made way for Luus, who stood like a wall to score her maiden century. Her splendid knock contained 18 hits to the fence, off which she struck 10 against the day’s first innings star -- Sneh.
Sneh, who earlier thrived on the spin-friendly surface, was kept under check by Luus in the latter half of the day. She went on the back foot to tackle the spin attack as it gave her additional time to respond. As she continued to chip away, the deficit for SA kept reducing.
When she reached the three-figure mark, Luus received a standing ovation from the spectators and her skipper Wolvaardt was visibly chuffed.
India captain Harmanpreet Kaur took it upon herself to bring an end to the threatening stand by castling well-settled Luus’ off-stump. Harmanpreet let out a huge roar before exhaling with relief.
Earlier, South Africa began the day at 236/4 but with Sneh tormenting them with her guile. The middle and lower order crumbled for the addition of 30 runs.
BRIEF SCORES: South Africa 266 in 84.3 overs (Kapp 74, Luus 65, Rana 8-77) and 232/2 in 85 overs (Luus 109, Wolvaardt 93*) vs India: 603/6 declared.
For more news like this visit TOI. Get all the Latest News, City News, India News, Business News, and Sports News. For Entertainment News, TV News, and Lifestyle Tips visit Etimes