Opener Shafali Verma’s extraordinary double century and her impressive 292-run partnership with Smriti Mandhana laid a robust foundation for India’s imposing 525 for 4 on the first day of their one-off women’s Test against South Africa in Chennai on Friday.
Historic Feat on Day 1
In a day brimming with record-breaking performances, India surpassed the 89-year-old record for the most runs scored in a single day of women’s Test cricket by 94 runs. The previous record was held by England, who amassed 431/2 against New Zealand at Lancaster Park, Christchurch, in 1935.
Shafali, at the tender age of 20, achieved her double century in just 194 balls, breaking the previous record held by Annabel Sutherland of Australia, who reached the milestone in 248 balls in a Test against South Africa in February. Shafali’s remarkable innings concluded soon after, as she was run out for 205 off 197 balls. Her previous best in Test cricket was 96.
Prolific Batting Display
Playing in only her fifth Test, Shafali’s innings was studded with 23 boundaries and eight sixes. Her exceptional performance also made her the second Indian woman, after former skipper Mithali Raj, to score a double century in Test cricket. Mithali’s record of 214 off 407 balls was set during a drawn Test against England at Taunton in August 2002.
Shafali’s partner for the majority of her innings, vice-captain Smriti Mandhana, also excelled, surpassing her previous Test best of 127 with a splendid knock of 149 off 161 balls.
Supportive Contributions
Jemimah Rodrigues contributed a valuable 55 runs to the team’s total. At stumps, skipper Harmanpreet Kaur remained unbeaten on 42, accompanied by Richa Ghosh, who was not out on 43.
Brief Scores:
India 1st innings: 525 for 4 in 98 overs (Shafali Verma 205, Smriti Mandhana 149, Jemimah Rodrigues 55, Harmanpreet Kaur 42 not out, Richa Ghosh 43 not out; Delmi Tucker 2/141) vs South Africa.
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