India Women are leading the charge in the One-Off Test against South Africa Women at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai. Thanks to Shafali Verma’s double century, India posted a commanding total of 603 runs before declaring on Day 2. When South Africa entered the fray, Sneh Rana’s devastating bowling performance saw her claim an impressive eight-wicket haul, dismantling the South African batting lineup.
Sneh Rana’s Dominance with the Ball
Rana bowled 25.3 overs, including four maidens, and conceded just 77 runs while taking eight wickets. This stellar performance restricted South Africa to 266 runs, leading to a follow-on. Chasing a target of 337 runs on a bowler-friendly Chennai deck on Day 3 will be a formidable challenge for the visitors. Deepti Sharma also contributed significantly, taking two wickets.
an 8-wicket haul for the legend sneh rana 8-77! wrapped SA up for just 266. 🔥🤌🏼
— Sophie | Bracket Era | Free 𓂆 (@azenithromycin) June 30, 2024
“It was so satisfying to take Wolvaardt’s wicket. The openers were playing well and we just wanted to get the first breakthrough. It was Wolvaardt and I was elated to get that,” Rana said as quoted by ESPNcricinfo.
Consistent Excellence Against Top Teams
Rana has been India’s go-to bowler, consistently showcasing her prowess. She demonstrated her skills against Australia in Mumbai during the One-Off Test in December 2023, where she claimed seven wickets, helping India chase a modest target of 75 runs for a historic victory. Named Player of the Match, Rana attributed her success to keeping things simple and recognizing the unique demands of Test cricket.
“The preparations were very simple. There was no need to experiment because red-ball cricket is a long game. As far as my bowling is concerned, my preparations have always been around bowling the right channels and backing my strengths. So, I did the same in this Test and the previous one. I remained calm and did not experiment,” Rana had said after the win.
As India Women look to capitalize on their strong position, Rana’s form will be crucial in ensuring a comprehensive victory over South Africa. Her ability to adapt and deliver under different conditions cements her status as a key player in the Indian women’s cricket team.
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