Cricket

India's Sneh Rana and South Africa's Sune Luus showcased exceptional performances in the one-off Test match at the MAC Stadium. Rana's devastating bowling in the first innings and Luus' gritty century in the second innings highlighted the third day's play.Rana's off-spin spell proved lethal as she claimed eight wickets for 77 runs, dismantling South Africa's batting lineup. Her superb delivery to dismiss Marizane Kapp and her quick dismissal of Sinalo Jafta completed her five-wicket haul. India's dominance continued as they bowled out the visitors for 253, securing a 337-run lead.However, South Africa showed resilience in the second innings. Despite losing opener Anneke Bosch early, Luus and skipper Laura Wolvaardt forged a formidable partnership. Luus played with determination and technique, countering the Indian spinners' turn and uneven bounce. Her maiden Test century, an innings of 109 runs off 203 balls, gave South Africa hope.The Indian spinners struggled with consistency and missed their lengths, allowing Luus and Wolvaardt to accumulate runs. Deepti Sharma dropped Kapp twice, further aiding South Africa's recovery. At stumps, the Proteas were 232 for two, still needing 105 runs to make India bat again.The match remains evenly poised, with South Africa aiming to salvage a draw and gain confidence ahead of the T20Is. India, on the other hand, will look to capitalize on their first-innings lead and secure a victory.

South Africa's resilience was on full display on the second day of the one-off Test against India in Chennai. Despite trailing by a mammoth 603 runs, the Proteas fought back to reach 236 for 4 at stumps, thanks to half-centuries from Sune Luus and Marizanne Kapp.After India declared their first innings at a record-breaking 603 for 6, South Africa's openers Laura Wolvaardt and Anneke Bosch started cautiously, adding 30 runs before Wolvaardt was dismissed lbw by Sneh Rana. Bosch and Luus then steadied the ship, putting on 63 runs before Bosch fell to Rana's spin.Luus and Kapp then combined for a crucial 93-run partnership, showcasing their determination and skill. Luus played with patience and precision, scoring 65 off 164 balls, while Kapp was more aggressive, reaching her half-century off just 87 balls.However, Deepti Sharma broke the partnership, trapping Luus lbw. Delmi Tucker also fell cheaply to Rana, but Kapp remained resolute, fighting through cramps and a stiff back to remain unbeaten on 69. Nadine de Klerk provided valuable support, scoring an unbeaten 27 off 28 balls.South Africa still face an uphill task, trailing by 367 runs with one day remaining. However, their performance on the second day has given them hope that they can salvage a draw or even pull off an unlikely victory.