India's Sneh Rana becomes third woman with eight-fer in Tests
India spinner Sneh Rana scripted history by taking an eight-wicket haul against South Africa in the first innings of the ongoing one-off Women's Test in Chennai. Rana's incredible effort saw SA perish for 266 in 84.3 overs. India enforced a follow-on as they scored 603/6 in the first innings. Notably, Rana became the third woman with an eight-fer in Test cricket.
Rana blows up SA's batting line-up
Rana dismissed both openers Laura Wolvaardt and Anneke Bosch after SA were off to a steady start. She then blew up their middle order, dismissing Delmi Tucker, Marizanne Kapp, Sinalo Jafta, and Annerie Dercksen. Rana then got rid of Masabata Klaas and Nonkululeko Mlaba to complete her eight-fer. The Indian spinner conceded 77 runs in 25.3 overs.
Third Indian woman with this feat
As mentioned, Rana has become the third woman with an eight-fer in an innings of Test cricket. She joins India's Neetu David (8/53 vs England, 1995) and Australia's Ashleigh Gardner (8/66 vs England, 2023) for this record. Interestingly, no other Indian has taken more than six wickets in an innings of a Women's Tests.
Off-spinners taking all 10 wickets
While Rana took eight wickets, spinner Deepti Sharma scalped the remaining two. As per X handle hypocaust, this was the first instance off-spinners taking all 10 wickets in a WTest innings.
A look at her career stats
Rana, playing only her fourth WTest, has raced to 21 wickets at a remarkable average of 18.66. Her tally includes an economy rate of 3.05. The one against SA was her maiden fifer in the format. Notably, Rana also has four-wicket hauls against Australia and England. The Indian all-rounder, who is also handy with the bat, owns over 100 runs (one fifty).
