In an extraordinary display of batting mastery, Shafali Verma's breathtaking double century led India Women to a record-breaking total on the first day of the one-off Test against South Africa Women at the MA Chidambaram Stadium on Friday.
Shafali's commanding 205 runs powered India to an astonishing 525/4 by stumps, shattering the previous highest single-day total in Women's Test cricket of 431 runs. The young sensation's innings, filled with aggressive strokes and strategic precision, set the tone for a day of absolute dominance.
Shafali eclipsed Australian Annabel's record of 248 balls to reach a double century against South Africa earlier this year, scoring her century off just 194 balls. During her aggressive knock, Shafali scored eight maximums and 23 fours.
After winning the toss and opting to bat, India’s openers, Shafali and Smriti Mandhana, delivered a performance for the ages. Their record-breaking opening partnership of 292 runs laid a formidable foundation. Mandhana's elegant 149, an innings studded with 27 boundaries and a six, came to an end when she was caught at slips by Annerie Dercksen off Delmi Tucker’s delivery.
The South African bowlers toiled on a pitch that offered little assistance. Despite Delmi Tucker’s efforts, which earned her two wickets, the visitors struggled to make significant inroads into the resilient Indian lineup.
Towards the close of play, captain Harmanpreet Kaur and the dynamic Richa Ghosh took charge, maintaining the momentum with an unbeaten partnership of 75 runs for the fifth wicket. Harmanpreet remained not out on 42 off 76 balls, while Richa added a brisk 43 off 33 balls, ensuring India ended the day with a commanding total and an imposing run rate.
By lunch, India had raced to 130 runs without losing a wicket.
Shafali and Mandhana captivated the crowd with their blend of aggression and elegance. Shafali, unbeaten on 65 off 75 balls, and Mandhana, with a graceful 64 off 93 balls, punished every loose delivery with impeccable timing and shot selection. Shafali's back-to-back boundaries off Nadine de Klerk and Mandhana's fifty, marked with a sublime punch through the covers off Nonkululeko Mlaba, highlighted their dominance.
At lunch, the scoreboard gleamed with India Women at a commanding 130-0 after 28 overs.
The afternoon session saw the dynamic duo push India to a formidable 334/2 by the Tea break. Shafali's aggressive 165 off 170 deliveries, featuring 20 boundaries and six towering sixes, left the South African bowlers reeling. Their 292-run opening stand not only stabilized India's innings but also put them in a commanding position against the visitors.
Despite South Africa managing to dismiss both Mandhana and Shubha Satheesh (15) in the post-lunch session, India's batting strength continued to shine. Delmi Tucker and Nadine de Klerk’s efforts were overshadowed by the sheer dominance of the Indian batters.
As Tea concluded, the spotlight turned to India’s middle order. Harmanpreet and Richa rose to the occasion, building a solid partnership and concluding the day unbeaten. India’s staggering total is a testament to their batting prowess, setting the stage for a commanding performance on Day 2.
With such a historic start, India Women are primed to dictate terms for the remainder of the match, putting South Africa under immense pressure. This extraordinary performance has not only enthralled fans but also solidified India’s position in this Test match. (UNI)
