Loubser spins South Africa to maiden Test victory

Off-spinner Sunette Loubser made a dream debut as she spun South Africa to its first-ever Test victory by 159 runs against the Netherlands on the fourth and final day of the historic one-off Test in Hazelaarweg, Rotterdam on Tuesday.

Loubser backed her first innings figures of 5-37 with 3-22 as the Netherlands, set a victory target of 211 in 49 overs, was bowled out for 50 with nine overs in the match remaining.

25-year-old Loubser, who made her international debut against Pakistan in the ODI series earlier this year, had match figures of 54.3-22-59-8.

It was South Africa's maiden victory in 11 Tests since making its debut against England at Port Elizabeth in December 1960. South Africa has drawn six Tests, with its four losses against England (by eight wickets at Durban in 1960 and by an innings and 96 runs at Taunton in August 2003), New Zealand (by 188 runs at Durban in March 1972) and India (by 10 wickets at Paarl in March 2002).

After 121.4 overs were lost in the first three days because of rain, South Africa captain Cri-Zelda Brits made a brave decision to declare her second innings at 86-1 after the home team was dismissed for 108 in reply to the visitors 232.

The decision paid off as the Netherlands, which became the 10th country to play a women's Test, were once again mesmerized by Loubser.

The two teams will now go head-to-head in the ODIs in Amstelveen, Utrecht and Deventer on 2, 4 and 5 August

Scores in brief:
At Hazelaarweg, South Africa beat the Netherlands by 159 runs
South Africa 232 (D.Terblanche 83, C.Terblanche 30, APC Kilowan 28 not out, JC Hartenhof 4-62, MEC de Fouw 3-27) and 86-1 dec (SM Benade 51)
Netherlands 108 (VEC Wattenberg 49, MA Koester 29, S.Loubser 40.3-18-37-5) and 50 (S.Loubser 14-4-22-3, SM Benade 2-1, Alicia Smith 2-4, Shibman Ismail 2-5)