India had to wait a bit longer for the winning moment due to centurion Laura Wolvaardt’s resistance, but they eventually triumphed convincingly by 10 wickets on the fourth and final day of the one-off Women’s Test against South Africa in Chennai on Monday. Chasing a modest target of 37 after bowling out South Africa for 373 in their second innings, India accomplished the task in 9.2 overs without losing a wicket. The opening duo of Shubha Satheesh (13 not out) and Shafali Verma (24 not out) steered their side home comfortably.
This victory marks India’s second 10-wicket triumph in Tests, following a similar win over the Proteas in Paarl in 2002.
After being bowled out for 266 in their first innings, South Africa fought back through impressive centuries by Laura Wolvaardt (122 off 314 balls, 16×4) and Sune Luus (109 off 203 balls, 18×4) in their second innings. However, the Proteas could only delay the inevitable.
Resuming at an overnight score of 232 for two, and trailing India by 105 runs, Wolvaardt and Marizanne Kapp looked poised to challenge the Indian bowlers. Wolvaardt brought up her maiden Test century, becoming the first woman to score a Test, ODI, and T20I century in the same year. However, Kapp was soon trapped leg-before by Deepti Sharma for 31, and Sneh Rana dismissed Delmi Tucker for a duck, reducing South Africa to 266 for four.
With work still needed to take the lead, Wolvaardt tried to anchor the innings but was dismissed for 122 when Rajeshwari Gayakwad trapped her in front, reducing the visitors to 281 for five. Despite reaching their highest team total in Tests against India, surpassing their previous best of 266 in the first innings, South Africa struggled to build substantial partnerships.
Nadine de Klerk and Sinalo Jafta held on until the lunch break, with South Africa at 302 for five. However, after lunch, Jafta retired hurt due to cramps, and Anne Dercksen joined De Klerk. Dercksen was dismissed for five by Pooja Vastrakar, leaving South Africa trailing by 27 runs. Although they went past 316, their highest score in Test cricket, surpassing the 315 made against England in 2003, the South Africans couldn’t sustain their momentum.
The partnership between De Klerk and Tumi Sekhukhune added 14 runs before Sekhukhune was run out for six. Jafta returned to bat but could only add nine more runs, departing for 15 as South Africa reached 336 for eight at tea. Despite conceding the lead in the final session, India managed to restrict South Africa and clinch the victory.
De Klerk, who was dropped on fifty by Renuka Singh and Pooja Vastrakar during a mix-up, brought up her half-century but was eventually dismissed for 61 by Rajeshwari Gayakwad. This win marks a significant achievement for India, showcasing their dominance in the Women’s Test format.
