India achieves record-breaking score in women's test cricket
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The one-off Test match between India and South Africa Women witnessed a historic moment as India posted the highest-ever total in women's Test cricket, scoring a colossal 603 for six declared.
South Africa ended Day 2 at 236/4, showcasing resilience through the batting efforts of Sune Luus and Marizanne Kapp.
India resumed their innings at an overnight score of 525 for four, with skipper Harmanpreet Kaur and Richa Ghosh continuing the batting. Harmanpreet, playing her fifth Test, achieved her maiden half-century in this format, scoring 69 off 115 balls. Richa Ghosh also delivered her career-best knock of 86, contributing to a 143-run partnership for the fifth wicket.
At 576 runs, India surpassed Australia's previous record of 575 for nine declared against South Africa in Perth earlier this year. The partnership was broken at 593 when Harmanpreet was trapped leg-before by Tumi Sekhukhune. Shortly after, Richa was also dismissed leg-before by Nonkululeko Mlaba, prompting the Indian captain to declare the innings.
South Africa began their innings confidently, reaching 29 for no loss by lunch. Post-lunch, Sneh Rana struck, dismissing the visiting captain for 20. Sune Luus and Anneke Bosch then added 63 runs for the second wicket before Rana broke the partnership by removing Bosch for 39.
Marizanne Kapp joined Luus, and the pair built a strong partnership, taking the score to 106 for two by the tea break. Both batters reached their half-centuries in the final session of the day. Luus was eventually dismissed leg-before by Deepti Sharma for 65, with the score at 189 for three. This partnership marked South Africa's best third-wicket stand in the format.
Delmi Tucker was caught behind off Rana for a duck, but Kapp (69 not out) and Nadine de Klerk ensured no further damage, ending the day with an unbeaten 38-run stand for the fifth wicket. South Africa trailed by 367 runs at stumps.
Sneh Rana was the standout bowler for India, taking three wickets for 61 runs. Deepti Sharma also impressed with figures of 1/40. Despite a few close chances, India's fielding efforts were commendable.
Delmi Tucker was South Africa's most successful bowler with figures of 2/141, while Masabata Klaas was the most economical.