Media Silence on a Remarkable Achievement: Rana Makes History with 10-Wicket Haul
In a display of remarkable skill and determination, the Indian women’s cricket team, led by Harmanpreet Kaur, continued their impressive run in Test cricket by securing a stunning victory against South Africa in a one-off Test match held in Chennai. This victory, achieved by a margin of 10 wickets, marks the team’s third consecutive Test win at home within the past seven months, a feat that places them alongside the best in women’s Test cricket history, equaling the joint-longest winning streak under Kaur’s captaincy.
Having previously triumphed over England and Australia in Tests in Mumbai, India showcased their dominance once again, displaying a perfect blend of batting prowess and bowling precision. The team’s formidable first innings total of 603/6 declared was powered by notable contributions from openers Smriti Mandhana and Shafali Verma, setting a challenging target for the South African team. The Indian spinners, particularly Sneh Rana, Deepti Sharma, and Rajeshwari Gayakwad, played pivotal roles in dismantling the South African batting lineup.
Rana’s exceptional performance was the highlight of the match, as she claimed a ten-wicket haul, becoming only the second Indian woman to achieve this feat in Test cricket. Her match figures of 10/188 were instrumental in restricting South Africa to scores of 266 and 373 in their respective innings. Despite a valiant fightback from South African batters Laura Wolvaardt, Sune Luus, and Nadine de Klerk, India’s bowlers remained relentless. On the final day, the South Africans, following on, mounted a spirited resistance, with Wolvaardt scoring a determined 122 and de Klerk contributing a gritty half-century. However, India’s bowlers, particularly the spinners, maintained their composure, securing crucial wickets at vital moments.
Kaur praised her team’s efforts, emphasizing the hard work and resilience required to achieve such a victory in challenging conditions. She commended the contributions of the openers and the unyielding belief of the bowlers in their ability to win. Rana, named Player-of-the-Match, expressed her delight at being able to contribute significantly to the team’s success, acknowledging the tough challenge posed by the South African batters. The Indian team’s triumph sets a strong precedent as they head into the upcoming three-match T20I series at the same venue, further solidifying their status as a formidable force in women’s cricket.
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Author:- Apoorva Arora