Watch: Rajeshwari Gayakwad’s brilliant run-out sends Sekhukhune back to dugout

Indian Cricket. (Source – Twitter/X)

Indian spinner Rajeshwari Gayakwad delivered a moment of brilliance on the field during the one-off Test match between India Women and South Africa Women in Chennai. Her lightning-fast direct hit to dismiss Tumi Sekhukhune in the third innings of the match proved to be a turning point in the game, pushing the visitors closer to defeat.

The four-day Test match saw the hosts dominate from the start. After posting the highest-ever total of 603/6 and declared in their first innings, led by Shafali Verma’s 205 and Smriti Mandhana’s 149.

Then India bowled out the Proteas for 266 in their first innings. Forced to follow on, visitors showed more resilience in their second innings but found themselves struggling against India’s bowling attack.

On day four, after Laura Wolvaardt and Sune Luus battled to save the Test, Gayakwad’s fielding masterclass came at a crucial juncture. In the 135th over of South Africa’s second innings, with the visitors at 324/6, Pooja Vastrakar bowled a back-of-a-length delivery to Nadine de Klerk. De Klerk tucked it towards the off-side and called for a single.

However, her partner Sekhukhune was caught watching the ball instead of responding to the call, resulting in a mix-up. Gayakwad, positioned at a distance, seized the opportunity. With lightning-fast reflexes, she caught the ball and took a precise throw that hit the stumps directly, catching Sekhukhune short of her crease.

Here’s the video –

Also read: Shafali Verma wears helmet while fielding at covers in Chepauk Test

The dismissal broke a partnership and triggered a collapse in the South African innings. Shortly after, Sneh Rana claimed the wicket of Sinalo Jafta, further denting visitors’ hopes of salvaging a draw.

The Indian bowlers did a brilliant job by bundling SA out for 373. India required just 37 runs to win the Test match which they did with 10 wickets in hand and went 2-0 up in this multi-format series, including the three-match ODI triumph.