Chennai
Indian opener Shafali Verma shattered the record for the fastest double-century in women’s Test cricket during the one-off Test against South Africa on Friday. At just 20 years old, Shafali reached her double ton in 194 balls, surpassing Annabel Sutherland’s previous record of 248 balls set against South Africa earlier this year.
Shafali became the second Indian woman to score a double century in Test cricket, following former captain Mithali Raj, who scored 214 off 407 balls against England in 2002. In her remarkable innings, Shafali hit 23 fours and eight sixes. She completed her double century with two consecutive sixes off off-spinner Delmi Tucker, followed by a single.
Shafali was eventually run out at 205 off 197 balls. Her opening partner, Smriti Mandhana, also contributed significantly with a powerful 149 off 161 balls, hitting 27 fours and one six. Together, they built a formidable opening partnership of 292 runs in just 52 overs. India’s performance on the opening day against South Africa was outstanding, maintaining a near run-a-ball scoring rate.
