Dynamic Indian opener, Shafali Verma made history on Friday as she bashed the fastest ever double-ton in women’s Test cricket during one-off contest against South Africa.
Shafali, who is only 20 years old beat Australia’s Annabel Sutherland who had batted such a score off 248 balls with just one year earlier. Her second century came from just 194 balls faced.
By accomplishing this incredible record, Shafali is now the second Indian cricketer after former skipper Mithali Raj to score a double-century. It was nearly 22 years ago when Raj managed it during those historic moments for women cricket in India. The latter achieved her feat by making 214 out of 407 deliveries in August 2002 when England played a drawn second test at Taunton.
With her aggressive approach to batting, Shafali hit 28 fours and 8 sixes. She achieved her big score by hitting back-to-back sixes bowling off-spinner Delmi Tucker before taking a single. Finally, she was caught short for 205 runs made off 197 balls.
Shafali’s opening partner Smriti Mandhana also played an attacking innings which earned her a total of 149 runs off 169 balls that included hitting 27 boundaries besides managing a six as well. There were no less than two nine scores in this partnership which gave their side about 52 overs together with four overthrows.
India have ended the opening day against South Africa well settled with a run rate close to one each ball scored throughout today’s play so far dominated by the home team.
