[Watch] 6,6 & 1 - Shafali Verma receives a rousing reception after registering fastest Women's double century during IND-W vs SA-W one-off Test
Shafali Verma got a rousing reception as she brought up a double century on the first day of the one-off Test between India Women and South Africa Women at MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai on Friday, June 28. Shafali scored the fastest double ton in women’s Tests by taking just 194 balls, overtaking Australia’s Annabel Sutherland's record (248 balls vs SA-W).
Shafali also became the only second Indian player after former captain Mithali Raj to hit a double century in international cricket. Overall, she is the 10th player to achieve the milestone in women’s Tests.
The achievement came in the 73rd over of India’s innings. Shafali began the over with back-to-back sixes over long-on off Delmi Tucker. The right-hander then took a single at long-off to complete her double century. Shafali's batting partner Jemimah Rodrigues hugged her as the crowd and teammates, including captain Harmanpreet Kaur, applauded.
Watch the moment below:
Shafali was dismissed in an unfortunate manner via run out. The star opener scored 205 runs off 197 balls, comprising eight sixes and 23 boundaries.
Shafali Verma and Smriti Mandhana put India in driving seat on Day 1 of IND-W vs SA-W one-off Test
A clinical batting display from Shafali Verma and Smriti Mandhana helped India dominate South Africa on Day 1 of the only Test. Mandhana smashed 149 runs off 161 deliveries, hitting one six and 27 boundaries. The duo shared a 292-run partnership for the opening wicket, taking all the Proteas bowlers to the cleaners.
Delmi Tucker provided the first breakthrough for the visitors by dismissing Mandhana. Nadine de Klerk struck quickly by sending Shubha Satheesh cheaply.
At the time of writing, the Women in Blue were 417/3 after 79 overs, with Jemimah Rodrigues and captain Harmanpreet Kaur at the crease.
Harmanpreet Kaur and Co. recently beat South Africa by 3-0 in the ODI series. The two teams will also play a three-match T20I series in July.
Follow the IND-W vs SA-W one-off Test live score and updates here.