South Africa were trailing by 315 runs with seven wickets in hand in the first innings at stumps on Day 2 after India declared their innings on 400/6. Carrying forward her innings, M D Thirushkamini, who was unbeaten on 100 on Day 1 went on to make 192 before returning to the pavilion. Although the India opener missed out on a well deserved double-century she had already lifted India to a mammoth total. Rajeshwari Gayakwad then claimed two early wickets while Poonam Yadav claimed one.
Resuming on the overnight score of 211/1, Thirushkamini and Poonam Raut added 72 to the total before the latter was sent back by Dane Van Niekerk. Raut who had made her century towards the end of Day 1 departed for 130 making way for the India captain, Mithali Raj. The veteran batsman contributed 37 before being castled by Sunette Loubser. A while later the bowler followed up with the wicket of Harmanpreet Kaur while Yolani Fourie claimed the India opener in the next over. Although denied a double-ton, Thirushkamini's effort along with Raut’s, had put India in a commanding position in the match.
Six runs later with the team on 400, Loubser also accounted for Jhulan Goswami. With the fall of the sixth wicket on the second day, India declared their first innings.
The Indian bowlers further strengthened the hosts’ grip on the match by dealing early blows. Gayakwad claimed Dane Van Niekerk and Marizanne Kapp off successive overs to leave the visitors on 37/2. 46 runs later, Yadav accounted for SA opener Nadine Moodley to push the opposition further on the backfoot in face of a mountainous ask. When play ended on the second day SA were 85/3 with captain Mignon Du Preez batting on 28 and Marcia Letsoalo yet to get off the mark.
Day 1: India 1st inn 211/1 in 102 overs (M D Thirushkamini 100*, Poonam Raut 100*)
Day 2: India 1st inn 400/6 decl in 148.4 overs (M D Thirushkamini 192, Poonam Raut 130, Sunette Loubser 3/90); South Africa 1st inn 85/3 in 51 overs (Nadine Moodley 40, Mignon Du Preez 28*, R Gayakwad 2/20)
