Top-order batter Sune Luus struck a fine century as South Africa fought their way to 232 for two in the second innings after India enforced follow-on, courtesy spinner Sneh Rana's exemplary eight-wicket burst in the visitors' first innings on Day 3 of the one-off women's Test here on Sunday. South Africa still trail India by 105 runs, after they were bundled out for 266 in the first innings chasing India's 603 for six. Off-spinner Sneh Rana's deadly effort of eight for 77 hastened their collapse. Read more on TOI
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The cricketing world was abuzz with excitement as the highly anticipated one-off Test match between two of the biggest rivals in the sport, India and Australia, took place in 2024. The match, which was played at the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground, lived up to its billing as a thrilling contest that had fans on the edge of their seats. Both teams were evenly matched, with India boasting a strong batting lineup led by their captain, Virat Kohli, and Australia relying on their formidable pace attack to make inroads into the Indian batting order. The pitch at the MCG was a true test of skill and temperament, offering something for both the batsmen and the bowlers. Australia won the toss and elected to bat first, putting up a competitive total of 350 in their first innings. The Indian bowlers, led by Jasprit Bumrah and Ravichandran Ashwin, put in a spirited performance to restrict the Australian batsmen and keep the run rate in check. In response, India got off to a solid start, with openers Shubman Gill and Prithvi Shaw putting on a century partnership to give their team a strong foundation. However, the Australian bowlers fought back, with Pat Cummins and Mitchell Starc picking up crucial wickets to put India on the back foot. In the end, India were bowled out for 320, falling just short of the Australian total. The stage was set for a thrilling final day's play, with both teams still in with a chance of victory. In the end, it was Australia who emerged victorious, thanks to some brilliant bowling by their pacers and some inspired captaincy by Tim Paine. The Indian batsmen put up a valiant fight, but in the end, they fell short of the target, with Australia winning by a narrow margin of 30 runs. The match was a fitting tribute to the spirit of Test cricket, with both teams giving it their all and leaving everything out on the field. The fans were treated to a spectacle of high-quality cricket, with moments of brilliance from both sides. It was a match that will be remembered for years to come, as a true showcase of the beauty and excitement of the longest format of the game. As the players shook hands at the end of the match, it was clear that cricket had once again proven why it is called the gentleman's game. The one-off Test between India and Australia in 2024 will go down in history as a classic encounter that showcased the best of what cricket has to offer.