Shefali Verma creates histroy. The one-off Test match between India’s women’s team and South Africa‘s women’s team is underway at MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai. India thrashed the visitors 3-0 in the ODI series, and they have started the first day of the Test match with a dominating performance. It started with India winning the toss and deciding to bat first. Both openers proved that decision right, and both Shefali Verma and Smirti Mandhana slammed the two fastest centuries in women’s cricket.
Smirti recorded a 122-ball fifty, while Shefali Verma was one step ahead of her. She broke a number of records and reached her century with just 113 balls. It is now the fastest century in the history of women’s test cricket. Team India finished Day 1 of the Test at 525/4 in 98 overs, which is a historic score now. Because, no team in the history of women’s Test cricket has reached 500 on the opening day of a match.
Shefali Verma records the fastest century and fastest double century in Women’s Test Cricket
It was a superb effort from the Indian batters, and everyone chipped. But the platform was set by the openers. Shefali Verma and Smirti Mandhana added 292 runs for the first wicket in 52 overs. This is now India’s highest stand in Tests for any wicket and also the highest opening stand overall.
Mandhana got out after scoring 149 runs off 161 balls, with 27 fours and one six. It was her second Test century, and now she has the second-most test century for India. On the other hand, Shefali took it deep and kept attacking the bowlers. She reached her maiden double century off just 194 balls and recorded the fastest double century in women’s Test cricket.
She also broke the record of Australia’s Annabel Sutherland (248 balls). Shefali was unlucky, as she got run out on 205 off 197 balls, with 23 fours and 8 sixes. Jemimah Rodrigues also scored 55 runs. Harmanpreet Kaur (42* off 76) and Richa Ghosh (43* off 33) are unbeaten on the crease at the end of the day.
India’s 525/4 is the highest Day 1 score in women’s Test cricket. Team India are ahead in this test on the first day itself and will be looking to bat long to push South Africa away from the game. Shefali Verma became only the second Indian and 10th overall batter to score a Test double century in women’s cricket.
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