India
South Africa were made to toil o•BCCI
In the final session, alongside Rodrigues, Shafali converted her 150 to 200 with a push to long-off in the 73rd over and an applause from the 3000-odd crowd at Chepauk. The duo put on a brisk 86 runs off 91 balls where Shafali contributed 48 runs off 31 balls and Rodrigues 38 off 60. However, a terrible mix-up in the 75th over ended Shafali’s stay. Chennai can be a harsh place for long-format games and tests even the best athlete’s endurance. The 20-year-old Shafali, not only survived the hot and humid day but also thrived in her first international game at this venue.
That South Africa toiled, to contain and pick up wickets, was evident when Laura Wolvaardt asked seven of her players to bowl. It even took the captain more than 80 overs to bring in an experienced Sune Luus, now bowling offspin from legspin. However, even Luus went for five runs an over in her three-over burst. The surface offered some turn towards the end of day’s play but otherwise, there was limited movement in the air and seam off the surface for bowlers in the morning session.
Rodrigues made 55, Harmanpreet and Richa Ghosh remained unbeaten on 42 and 43 respectively. Delmi Tucker, having bowled 26 overs, picked up two wickets for South Africa.
Srinidhi Ramanujam is a sub-editor with ESPNcricinfo