Shafali Verma, Smriti Mandhana shine as India dominate South Africa on Day 1 of the One-off Test

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  • Team India dominated the proceedings on Day 1 of the One-off test in Chennai against South Africa.

  • Shafali Verma and Smriti Mandhana exhibited an exceptional batting display.

Shafali Verma, Smriti Mandhana shine as India dominate South Africa on Day 1 of the One-off Test
IN-W vs SA-W

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In a commanding display of batting prowess, India Women posted a formidable total of 525/4 in their first innings against South Africa Women on Day 1 of the One-off Test in Chennai’s MA Chidambaram Stadium. Shafali Verma and Smriti Mandhana set the tone with exceptional centuries, showcasing their skill and determination on the crease.

India’s dominant opening partnership

India opted to bat first after winning the toss, with Shafali and her opening partner Smriti scripting history by forging the highest-ever opening partnership in Women’s Tests, accumulating a remarkable 292 runs in 52 overs. Shafali began her innings briskly, reaching fifty off just 60 deliveries, followed swiftly by her maiden Test century in 158 balls. Post lunch, she intensified her scoring rate, ultimately surging past the double century milestone. Meanwhile Smriti became the second-fastest Test centurion in Women’s cricket history after Shafali who achieved the milestone in the same game.

Smriti Mandhana’s remarkable ton

Smriti played a pivotal role in India Women’s formidable first innings total against South Africa Women. Her composed innings of 149 runs off 161 deliveries was a testament to her ability to build an innings. Smriti’s innings was highlighted by 27 boundaries, which included a mix of elegant drives and powerful strokes, showcasing her technical prowess and ability to dominate the bowling attack.

Shafali Verma’s explosive double century

Shafali’s blazing knock of 205 runs off just 197 balls was the cornerstone of India’s imposing total. Her innings was a display of aggressive batting, marked by 23 fours and 8 towering sixes. Shafali’s ability to find gaps in the field and dispatch loose deliveries to the boundary kept the scoreboard ticking at a brisk pace. Her double century laid a solid foundation for India, providing the team with momentum and confidence throughout the innings.

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

Middle order contributions

After the fall of Shafali and Smriti wicket, the middle order ensured India’s dominance continued. Jemimah Rodrigues contributed a steady 55, while captain Harmanpreet Kaur remained unbeaten at 42, steering the innings towards a mammoth total. Richa Ghosh provided late fireworks, scoring a brisk 43 not out off 33 deliveries and remained not out at the close of first day’s play, accelerating the scoring rate in the final overs.

South African bowling efforts

South Africa struggled to break through India’s batting lineup, with their bowlers facing a daunting challenge. Despite efforts from Delmi Tucker, who claimed two crucial wickets, the rest of the bowling attack found it tough to contain the rampant Indian batters. Nadine de Klerk was the only other bowler to manage a wicket, but the overall economy rates were elevated as India maintained a steady run rate throughout their innings.

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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

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

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AMAR PAL SINGH BHALLA
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