Sneh Rana, known for her calm demeanor and consistent performance, walked into the post-match press conference after a day under the Chennai sun, jokingly requesting for short questions. However, Sneh is accustomed to handling the pressure and scrutiny of media and the cricketing world. Her performance on Saturday, where she bagged three crucial wickets, proved her mettle yet again.
Rana’s first spell began shortly before lunch, with skipper Harmanpreet Kaur allowing her to gain a feel of the new ball. In the second session, she struck early, dismissing South African captain Laura Wolvaardt with a full ball that stayed low and crashed into the stumps.
She then went on to break a crucial partnership between Wolvaardt and Anneke Bosch, who had initially held strong for 73 balls. Despite Bosch’s audacious attempt to score boundaries, Rana persevered with her variations and line, eventually drawing out a thick edge from Bosch which was caught by Deepti Sharma at first slip.
Sneh also sent back Delmi Tucker without letting her score, inducing a shot which was caught by Richa Ghosh behind the stumps. Though a few catches were dropped during the match, Sneh’s performance was evident, and she believed her wicket of Wolvaardt was particularly satisfying.
Despite the lack of significant turn on the Chennai pitch, Rana, along with Deepti Sharma, managed to extract some turn through their efforts and variations. The track, while exhibiting some fluctuating bounce, offered little assistance to the spinners, highlighting the challenge faced by Rana.
She showcased a tale of two halves in her performance, initially bowling with control and manufactured turn to keep the Proteas cautious. However, as the ball got older and the field settings became more open, the Proteas found ways to score boundaries. Nevertheless, Rana finished the day with the most overs bowled for India and an impressive economy rate of 3.05.
India’s meticulous planning, guided by Amol Muzumdar’s experience, was evident in the field placements. With strategic positioning of players like Shafali Verma, Shubha Satheesh, and Harmanpreet Kaur, India aimed to restrict runs and put pressure on the South African batters.
Sneh’s return to the national side after a six-month hiatus marked a significant moment in her career. Her past performances in Test matches, especially against England, have cemented her place as a key player in this format. She is known for her thinking spin, allowing the captain to utilize her strategic abilities beyond just following plans.
However, her lack of participation in the white-ball formats has been a point of concern. Despite this, Sneh’s confidence and commitment to her craft remain unshaken. She attributes her sustained motivation to her consistent efforts and the support of the Indian administration through their emphasis on red-ball cricket.
With a crucial third day ahead, Sneh is ready to capitalize on the uncertainties and secure a victory for India. While she may not be a prominent figure in India’s T20I plans, she is determined to make her mark in the upcoming ODI World Cup, showcasing her adaptability and consistent frugality.
