• Shafali Verma hammered the fastest double hundred in Women's Test cricket history during the IN-W vs SA-W game.

  • Shafali departed after scoring 205 runs off just 197 deliveries for India.

Fans celebrate as Shafali Verma smashes fastest double-hundred in Women’s Tests during IN-W vs SA-W game
Shafali Verma

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Shafali Verma, in a historic display of skill and determination, etched her name into the annals of cricket history during India‘s one-off Test against South Africa at Chennai’s MA Chidambaram Stadium.

Shafali Verma’s record-breaking double century

On Day 1 of the match, Shafali achieved the remarkable milestone of becoming only the second Indian woman to score a double century in Test cricket. Her innings, characterized by aggressive stroke play and impeccable timing, saw her reach 205 runs off just 197 deliveries. This included an impressive tally of 23 boundaries and 8 towering sixes before an unfortunate run-out ended her innings at the striker’s end. This innings not only made her the youngest Indian to reach 500 Test runs but also the second youngest to score a Test hundred, following in the footsteps of the legendary Mithali Raj.

Recognition and legacy

Shafali’s double century also set a new benchmark in women’s Test cricket, breaking the previous record for the fastest double century held by Australia‘s Annabel Sutherland, achieved in 248 balls earlier in 2024 against South Africa. She joined a select group of cricketers, becoming only the second Indian and the tenth overall to achieve this milestone in women’s Tests.

Also READ: IN-W vs SA-W: Fans erupt in joy as Smriti Mandhana, Shafali Verma hit tons on Day 1 of the One-off Test

Memorable partnership with Smriti Mandhana

Batting first after India won the toss, Shafali and her opening partner Smriti Mandhana created history by setting the record for the highest opening partnership in Women’s Tests, amassing an impressive 292 runs off 52 overs. Shafali’s fifty came off 60 balls, followed swiftly by her maiden Test century off 158 deliveries. In the post-lunch session, she accelerated her scoring rate to reach the double century mark.

Despite Mandhana’s dismissal, Shafali continued to dominate the South African bowling attack, displaying her attacking prowess until an unfortunate run-out ended her innings just short of Mithali’s record of 248 runs. Despite the disappointment of falling short of another milestone, Shafali received a warm ovation from the Chepauk crowd for her extraordinary achievement.

Here’s how Fans reacted:

Also READ: Women’s Asia Cup 2024 Schedule: India to play against Pakistan on the opening day

This article was first published at WomenCricket.com, a Cricket Times company.

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AMAR PAL SINGH BHALLA
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