June 28th 2024.
On a sunny Friday in Chennai, the one-off women's Test match between India and South Africa witnessed a record-breaking performance by young opener Shafali Verma, who played with an incredible level of skill and determination. Her outstanding double century, achieved in just 194 balls, was a major contributing factor in India's highest-ever single-day total of 525 runs. Along with her formidable 292-run partnership with Smriti Mandhana, Shafali set the stage for a dominant performance by the Indian batters, leaving the South African team struggling to keep up.
In addition to breaking the record for the fastest double century in a women's Test match, Shafali also became only the second Indian woman cricketer after the legendary Mithali Raj to achieve this feat. Mithali's own double century, scored off 407 balls, had been a historic moment during a Test match against England in 2002. With her aggressive play, Shafali also surpassed the 89-year-old record for most runs scored in a single day, set by the English women's team in 1935.
Shafali's impressive innings came to an end when she was run out at 205, just after completing her double-ton. This was a significant improvement from her previous best of 96, achieved in her fifth Test match. Her extraordinary knock, which included 23 boundaries and 8 sixes, was met with cheers and applause from the crowd at the Chepauk stadium, and left the South African bowlers struggling to find their footing.
Winning the toss and electing to bat, Shafali and Mandhana took full advantage of the familiar conditions and the inexperienced opposition bowlers, leading India to a strong start with 130 runs on the board at the lunch break. As the pitch eased up in the post-lunch session, the duo continued to dominate, scoring at almost a run per ball. While the pace bowlers managed to challenge them to some extent, the spinners were unable to contain the Indian batters.
Both Shafali and Mandhana reached their centuries around the same time, with the team total crossing 250 runs. Mandhana, who had been in excellent form, eventually fell to a delivery from Delmi Tucker, caught in the slip cordon. Her partnership with Shafali had reached an impressive 292 runs, and also helped her achieve her personal best score in Test cricket. This was also India's highest partnership for any wicket in the format, and the second-highest in women's Test cricket overall.
After Mandhana's dismissal, Shafali continued her outstanding performance with the support of Jemimah Rodrigues. She reached her historic double century after the tea break, hitting consecutive sixes and a single off Tucker's bowling. However, her incredible innings came to an end due to a mix-up with Jemimah. The young batter, who was also playing well, went on to score her third Test half-century, before being dismissed by Tucker.
With the help of captain Harmanpreet Kaur and Richa Ghosh, India crossed the 500-run mark, becoming the first team to do so in a single day of a women's Test match. It was a truly remarkable performance by the Indian team, setting multiple records and establishing their dominance in the match.
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