South Africa Women’s captain Laura Wolvaardt. File
| Photo Credit: B. Jothi Ramalingam

Speaking after the loss, South Africa captain Laura Wolvaardt was appreciative of her team’s batting in the match.

“To lose is a bit disappointing. But the character that the group has shown over the last two days was absolutely amazing. To concede 500-something runs on day one, I don’t think many people thought it would get all the way to the last session on day four.

“So, just the absolute grit and determination that every single batter had, going out there to see it through until the end was amazing. I think it’ll do a lot of good things for this group,” she said.

On her experience of captaining the side in the last two Tests versus Australia and India, she said: “Obviously, being at the WACA was all about pace, bounce, swing, and nip. Whereas, this was all about the spinners and sort of navigating that. I think captaincy-wise, it was quite tricky knowing which fields to set. They had a lot of funky fields that were really hard to bat against. Their spinners were accurate as well.

“I’ve learnt a lot as a player, spending time out there in the middle, batting. It’s going to help my captaincy as well, just to have observed what they were doing for more than 300 balls and just being out there. I think it’s probably the most memorable of the three Test matches that I’ve played, just because of the character that we showed.”

About the Chennai crowd, she added: “To have that many people at a Test match, was amazing. It’s awesome how supportive they are of the opposition as well, cheering and clapping when any of us sort of reached a milestone. It keeps it entertaining as well.

“I think the third day felt like a long time when I was batting out there, but it was nice to see them singing songs, which was quite funny. I think there was a (chorus of) ‘Laura is scared of Deepti’ at one stage!”

Jemimah Rodrigues takes a selfie with India Women players celebrating with the winners’ trophy after defeating South Africa on the 4th and last day of the one-off test cricket match between India and South Africa at M.A Chidambaram Stadium, Chepauk in Chennai on July 1, 2024.
| Photo Credit: B. Jothi Ramalingam

Despite South African skipper Laura Wolvaardt’s (122, 314b, 16×4) valiant century, India romped home to a ten-wicket on the final day of the one-off Test at the MAC Stadium in Chennai on Monday.

On an overcast morning, South Africa resumed on 232 for two and needed another 105 runs to make India bat again. Though the odds were stacked against the Proteas on a fourth-day pitch with uneven bounce, the visitors showed great character to take the match into the final session after conceding a 337-run lead on the third day.

Wolvaardt, batting on 93 overnight, flicked Sneh Rana to the fine leg fence to move to 99 and then took a single through the leg-side off Renuka Singh to complete her maiden Test century. Though she started scratchily on Sunday, the 25-year-old right-hander stuck to her gameplan to score her third century of the tour following her twin centuries in the ODIs.

Deepthi Sharma gave India an opening at the other end when she had Marizane Kapp leg-before caught on the backfoot to an off-break. Soon, Sneh got into the act, removing Delmari Tucker, who was dismissed for a pair, caught at covers. The off-spinner got her 10th wicket of the match when she had Sinalo Jafta caught at slip.

Wolvaardt’s vigil ended shortly before lunch when she played down the wrong line to a delivery from left-arm spinner Rajeshwari Gayakwad that kept low and was trapped in front.

Needing just five more wickets, India would have felt it was inching closer towards an innings win, but Nadine de Klerk (61) frustrated the hosts with her gritty stay in the middle, scoring a patient half-century.

While India kept pegging away, taking three more wickets in the second session, de Klerk held fort at the other end, grinding out the bowling attack, as South Africa managed just 34 runs in 29 overs.

In the final session, de Klerk cut loose, finding a few boundaries by employing the sweep shot to get to her half-century and helping her side wipe out the deficit. By the time Rajeshwari bowled her, South Africa had a lead of 35 runs, which seemed improbable when India amassed 603 for six in the first innings.

Indian openers Shefali Verma and Subha Sathesh then swiftly knocked off the 37-run target to help the home side to its third straight Test win after victories against England and Australia last year.

South Africa’s captain Laura Wolvaardt. File
| Photo Credit: B. Jothi Ramalingam

Opener Laura Wolvaardt will lead the 15-member South Africa women’s team in the upcoming three-match T20 International series against India to be played at Chennai from July 5.

Chloe Tryon, who missed the ODIs and one-off Test, is the only addition to the squad as she marks her return from a back injury.

All-rounders Delmi Tucker and Nondumiso Shangase will leave the touring group following the ODIs and the one-off Test, which South Africa lost by 10 wickets on Monday.

South Africa were also whitewashed by India in the three-match ODI series which was played before the one-off Test.

“We’re excited with the 15-player squad that has been selected for the T20I series. We also have Chloe back in the team after recovering from an injury.”She brings a lot of experience to the team and we can’t wait to see her back on the field,” South Africa head coach Dillon du Preez said in a statement issued by Cricket South Africa.

“We have our last three T20I matches against India. This will give us some time to look at one or two options before we go home and start our final preparation for the T20 World Cup in Bangladesh,” he added.

South Africa women Convenor of Selectors, Clinton du Preez added: “In selecting the squad for the upcoming T20I series against India, we focused on maintaining consistency, keeping a largely similar group to build on our strengths and cohesion.

“This approach allows us to refine our strategies and enhance team dynamics, which are crucial as we prepare for the T20 World Cup in Bangladesh.

“Our goal is to provide a platform for our players to gain valuable experience and showcase their skills, ensuring we are well-prepared for the challenges ahead.

“The return of Chloe Tryon is a significant addition, and we are confident that this squad will perform with the determination and excellence that define Proteas Women cricket.”

The first T20I will be played on July 5, followed by matches on July 7 and 9 at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai.

South Africa Women T20I Squad: Laura Wolvaardt (c), Anneke Bosch, Tazmin Brits, Nadine de Klerk, Annerie Dercksen, Mieke de Ridder, Sinalo Jafta, Marizanne Kapp, Ayabonga Khaka, Masabata Klaas, Suneì Luus, Eliz-Mari Marx, Nonkululeko Mlaba, Tumi Sekhukhune, Chloe Tryon.

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