In a remarkable display of skill and determination, India’s all-rounder Sneh Rana carved her name into the annals of cricket history with an astonishing eight-wicket haul against South Africa on Sunday, June 30. This extraordinary feat occurred during Day 3 of the one-off Test match held at the historic MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai.
This impressive performance saw Rana achieving the joint-most wickets in a single inning in the history of women’s Test cricket. It was a display that reduced South Africa from a commanding 189/2 to 266 all out. Playing in just her fourth Test, the 30-year-old spin all-rounder delivered a stellar performance with figures of 8 for 77. This achievement saw her joining the elite company of Australia’s Ashleigh Gardner and former Indian great Neetu David, making her only the third cricketer to accomplish this feat in women’s Test history.
“In the start, it was challenging (to bowl on this pitch) because the ball was not turning much,” said a visibly elated Rana after the day’s play. “I enjoyed it later when it started to turn and bounce. The mindset was clear and we were going for wickets. We want to go for the kill – that is the mindset we have currently. They [South African batters] are some of the best batters in the world. They played well and credit goes to them as well. Everyone put in a lot of effort. We complemented each other (as a bowling unit) on this pitch and the fielders supported each other too.”
South Africa’s innings saw notable contributions from Maizanne Kapp, who top-scored with 74 runs off 141 balls, and Sune Luus, who added a valuable 65 runs. However, it was Rana’s bowling that changed the complexion of the game. Besides her, all-rounder Deepti Sharma claimed the remaining two wickets for the Indian side.
With a substantial lead of 337 runs in the first innings, India enforced a follow-on. South Africa’s second innings began poorly when opener Anneke Bosch fell early to Deepti Sharma for just 16 runs. However, this was far from the end of the drama.
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South Africa then staged a commendable resurgence, thanks to a stellar partnership between skipper Laura Wolvaardt and Sune Luus. The duo added a mammoth 196 runs for the second wicket, demonstrating remarkable resilience under pressure. Luus went on to score her maiden Test century, a well-fought 109 off 203 balls, before being dismissed by India’s Harmanpreet Kaur just before the close of play. Wolvaardt remained unbeaten on 93 off 252 balls, a testament to her tenacity and skill, as South Africa ended Day 3 at 232/2.
This historic match is not just about individual brilliance but also underscores the collective effort and synergy of the Indian bowling unit. The Indian bowlers, led by Rana, meticulously executed their plans to dismantle the South African batting lineup. Their combined efforts were ably supported by sharp fielding, proving pivotal in turning the tide of the match in India’s favor.
Moreover, the match reflects the strategic acumen of the Indian women’s team. The decision to enforce a follow-on, capitalizing on the psychological advantage of a massive first innings lead, showcased the aggressive and positive mindset of the team management. This move paid dividends, as the South African side found themselves on the back foot for the majority of their second innings.
Adding to this narrative are the reflections of team strategist and head coach, Raman Sridhar, who highlighted the importance of maintaining pressure and seizing opportunities. “The game’s never won until the last ball is bowled, but the intent was clear—we wanted to dominate. The execution by Sneh [Rana] and the support from Deepti [Sharma] were exceptional. This is a momentous occasion for Indian cricket,” Sridhar remarked.
For the cricketing world, especially enthusiasts of women’s cricket, Sneh Rana’s remarkable achievement is not just a record but an inspiration. It highlights the evolving competitive nature of women’s Test cricket and sets a high benchmark for future matches.
The contest in Chennai is poised for an exhilarating finish as both teams gird up for the final day. South Africa, trailing by 105 runs with eight wickets in hand, will be desperate for a batting miracle to save the match, while India will look to continue their domination and secure a memorable victory.
Stay tuned for more updates as this captivating Test match reaches its climax, and history continues to unfold at the MA Chidambaram Stadium.
