Sune Luus and Laura Wolvaardt delivered outstanding performances to help the South African women's cricket team mount a strong fightback against India on day three of their Test match in Chennai.
Sune Luus scored her first century in Test cricket, making 109 runs off 203 balls with 18 boundaries. Her determined innings were pivotal in South Africa's recovery after being asked to follow on by India.
Laura Wolvaardt remained unbeaten on 93 runs from 252 balls, hitting 12 boundaries. Her steady and patient innings provided the backbone for South Africa's second innings.
The partnership between Luus and Wolvaardt was instrumental in stabilising South Africa's innings. They shared a record-breaking stand of 190 runs off 394 balls, the highest partnership in South African women's Test cricket history.
South Africa was trailing by 337 runs after their first innings, in which they were bowled out for 266 in response to India's massive 603/6 declared. Sneh Rana was the star for India in the first innings, with career-best figures of 8/77.
In their second innings, South Africa faced early pressure with Anneke Bosch getting out for nine runs. However, Wolvaardt and Luus steadied the innings, taking South Africa from 16/1 to 232/2 by the end of the day.
Luus' wicket, taken by India's skipper Harmanpreet Kaur, ended South Africa's highest partnership in women's Test cricket. After her dismissal, Marizanne Kapp joined Wolvaardt and added 26 runs to ensure the team finished the day strong.
Despite the challenging conditions, India managed to take only two wickets in South Africa's second innings. Deepti Sharma took the first wicket, while Harmanpreet Kaur claimed the crucial wicket of Luus.
The day concluded with South Africa at 232/2, trailing India by 105 runs, and setting up an intriguing final day's play with the Proteas looking to either draw or chase down the remaining runs.