Shafali Verma and the Indian women’s team broke several records on the first day of the one-off Test against South Africa.
Shafali Verma produced a sensational performance on Friday, recording two centuries that took India to the highest one-day tally in Test history in a one-off match against South Africa. Shafali’s magnificent 205 from 194 balls paved the way for one-day cricket where many records were broken.
Partnering with Smriti Mandhana, who scored a brilliant 149 off 161 balls. Shafali helped create a formidable opening sequence of 292 runs. Their partnership laid the foundation for India’s massive 525/4, leaving the South African bowlers struggling all day.
Shafali’s double century eclipsed Australian Annabel Sutherland’s previous record for the fastest century. Who scored a 248-ball double against South Africa earlier this year. He reached the milestone with consecutive sixes against Delmi Tucker, followed by a single to complete his double century.
The feat also made Shafali the second Indian woman to score a double century in Test cricket, following in the footsteps of Mithali Raj. Mithali scored 214 runs, off 407 balls, in a Test draw against England at Taunton in August 2002.
Indian cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar took to his official X account to congratulate Shafali and the Indian women’s team. “Look at the special activities our girls did on the first day! @TheShafaliVerma’s double ton and @mandhana_smriti’s 149 set the tone for a fantastic day. The team’s overall batting performance was nothing short of impressive, and I expect another firestorm tomorrow! ” he wrote.
