xtratime Logo

Shafali Verma and Smriti Mandhana, pic: x

Xtra Time Web Desk: 20 years old Shafali Verma has etched her name in history as the second Indian woman to score a double century in Test cricket. Achieving this milestone on Day 1 of the Only Test against South Africa at the MA Chidambaram Stadium on 28th June, Verma's spectacular innings came off 194 balls during the third and final session of the day's play. She is just behind the legendary Mithali Raj, who scored a double century against England in Taunton back in 2002.

Verma's 205-run knock off 197 balls, includes 23 fours and 8 sixes, also marked the seventh highest individual score in Women’s Tests and the second highest by an Indian woman, trailing only Mithali’s 214. Her remarkable innings concluded when she was run out at the striker’s end. Earlier in the match, Verma also became the youngest Indian to reach 500 Test runs and the second youngest to score a Test century after Mithali. It is beacuse of her spectacular innings india has scored 525/4 at the end of Day 1.

Watch here:

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Team India (@indiancricketteam)

Read More: T20 World Cup 2024: Ravi Shastri criticizes Virat Kohli’s aggressive batting in the tournament

Shafali Verma and Smriti Mandhana makes new record:

The day began with India opting to bat first, and Verma, along with Smriti Mandhana, set a new record for the highest opening partnership in Women’s Tests. Their partnership of 292 runs off 52 overs surpassed their previous record of a 167-run stand against England in 2021. Verma reached her fifty in 60 balls and swiftly progressed to her maiden Test century off 113 deliveries. Post-lunch, she accelerated to achieve her double century.

Watch here:

???? Milestone Alert ????

2⃣9⃣2⃣

This is now the highest opening partnership ever in women's Tests ????

Smriti Mandhana & Shafali Verma ????????

Follow the match ▶️ https://t.co/4EU1Kp7wJe#TeamIndia | #INDvSA | @IDFCFIRSTBank | @mandhana_smriti | @TheShafaliVerma pic.twitter.com/XmXbU9V3M6

— BCCI Women (@BCCIWomen) June 28, 2024

Despite Mandhana's departure for 149 runs off 161 balls, Verma maintained her aggressive approach. However, she was run out in a moment of hesitation while attempting a run, falling short of Mithali’s record. The crowd at Chepauk cheered loudly for Verma’s phenomenal effort.

Read More: World Cup 2024: Ashwin and Harbhajan Singh grilled Vaughan in their own ways for tweeting against India

Mandhana and Verma's partnership broke the two-decade-old record of Pakistan's Kiran Baluch and Sajjida Shah’s 241-run opening stand. Their 292-run partnership from just 312 balls is now the highest opening stand in Women’s Test cricket. Mandhana’s sublime form saw her score her fourth century in her last five international games before falling to the hot and humid conditions. The Indian openers' dominance left the South African bowlers struggling, highlights the strength and depth of India's batting lineup in women's cricket.