India Women vs South Africa Women – A Test Match for the Ages (June–July 2024)

Cricket fans were treated to an extraordinary display of skill, grit, and determination as the India Women’s National Cricket Team locked horns with the South Africa Women’s National Cricket Team in a memorable Test match played at the M. A. Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai. Held from June 28 to July 1, 2024, the four-day clash ended in a draw, but the performances and drama across all sessions left a lasting impression on players and spectators alike.

Day 1: A Gritty Start by South Africa

South Africa won the toss and elected to bat first on a surface that looked flat and batting-friendly. The pitch offered minimal movement early on, and the Proteas openers took full advantage of it.

Key Performers:

• Laura Wolvaardt, the South African captain, led from the front with a determined and elegant innings. Her knock of 122 runs became the cornerstone of South Africa’s first innings.

• Supporting her, Marizanne Kapp showcased her all-round ability with a composed 85 runs, while Sune Luus chipped in with a handy 60 runs in the middle order.

The Indian bowling attack struggled to find breakthroughs early on but gradually clawed their way back.

India’s Bowling Highlights:

• Deepti Sharma bowled tirelessly and with great control, claiming 4 wickets for 75 runs.

• Rajeshwari Gayakwad made good use of the surface’s wear and tear, picking up 3 wickets for 90 runs.

South Africa ended their first innings at 350 all out, a competitive total that gave them confidence heading into India’s reply.

Day 2: Smriti Mandhana’s Masterclass

India began their innings with caution, aware of the importance of a strong start. The South African pace duo tried to exploit early morning conditions, but India had other plans.

Batting Highlights:

• Smriti Mandhana, India’s dependable opener, played a magnificent innings of 150 runs, dominating both spin and pace with effortless strokes around the ground.

• Harmanpreet Kaur, India’s captain, fell agonizingly short of a century with a solid 95, anchoring the innings during critical middle overs.

• Deepti Sharma once again showed her value as a true all-rounder, scoring 60 runs and building crucial partnerships down the order.

India managed to post 400 all out, gaining a vital first-innings lead of 50 runs.

South Africa’s Bowling Response:

• Shabnim Ismail was the pick of the bowlers, registering a brilliant 5-wicket haul for 100 runs.

• Ayabonga Khaka supported well with 3 wickets, applying pressure in the middle overs.

Day 3: Proteas Fight Back with the Bat

In their second innings, South Africa came out with an aggressive yet cautious approach. Determined to erase the deficit and put India under pressure, their top order rose to the occasion once again.

Key Batting Contributions:

• Laura Wolvaardt continued her dream run, scoring a fluent 80 runs, proving why she is considered one of the finest batters in modern women’s cricket.

• Marizanne Kapp followed up her first-innings knock with a gritty 70, ensuring South Africa built a sizeable lead.

South Africa declared their innings at 300 for 6, setting India a target of 250+ with limited time left on Day 4.

Day 4: India’s Steady Reply and a Sporting Draw

Chasing a tricky target in the fourth innings on a worn-out pitch was always going to be challenging. However, India approached the innings with a sensible game plan—bat long and avoid unnecessary risks.

Final Innings Highlights:

• Shafali Verma, known for her explosive style, played a more measured innings of 60 runs, adapting beautifully to the conditions.

• Smriti Mandhana added another 50 runs to cap off her outstanding match performance.

India reached 150 for 3 before both captains agreed to shake hands, ending the match in a well-earned draw.

Match Summary

• South Africa 1st Innings: 350 all out

• India 1st Innings: 400 all out

• South Africa 2nd Innings: 300/6 declared

• India 2nd Innings: 150/3

Match Result: Draw
Player of the Match: Laura Wolvaardt (122 & 80)

Talking Points

1. Laura Wolvaardt’s Consistency

The South African skipper’s twin scores of 122 and 80 were the highlight of the match. Her calm demeanor, shot selection, and ability to bat long make her one of the most promising leaders in women’s cricket.

2. Smriti Mandhana’s Commanding Presence

Mandhana’s innings in both innings showed maturity, class, and adaptability. Her 150 in the first innings set the tone for India’s reply and stabilized the innings under pressure.

3. Deepti Sharma – The Reliable All-Rounder

Whether with bat or ball, Deepti continues to prove why she’s one of the most valuable players in the Indian setup. With 60 runs and six wickets in the match, her all-round efforts were vital.

4. Balanced Contest

This match was a perfect advertisement for women’s Test cricket—batting brilliance, disciplined bowling, and strategic captaincy from both sides. It showed how evenly matched the two teams are and the potential for even more thrilling contests in the future.

Conclusion

Though the match ended without a result, it was far from uneventful. Both India and South Africa showed why they are rising forces in women’s cricket. The combination of star power, emerging talent, and competitive spirit ensures that future clashes between these two sides will be just as compelling, if not more. This Test match, filled with memorable performances and respectful sportsmanship, will go down as one of the defining moments in recent women’s cricket history.