Shafali Verma Scripts History With Fastest Double Hundred In Women's Test

Shafali Verma made history on Friday, June 28, by surpassing Annabel Sutherland's record for the fastest double century in women's Test cricket. The 20-year-old achieved this feat during Day 1 of the only Test match against South Africa Women at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai.

Shafali Verma became only the second Indian woman to score a Test double century, following Mithali Raj. Mithali had scored her double hundred against England in Taunton in August 2022, amassing 214 runs off 407 balls. Shafali's achievement has been widely celebrated by fans on Twitter (now X).

The Haryana-born cricketer reached her double century milestone in just 194 balls. Unfortunately, she was run out three deliveries later after Jemimah Rodrigues pushed a ball towards mid-on and attempted a quick single. A fatigued Shafali was slow to respond to Rodrigues' call.

Shailu (@Shailu_15Jul) June 28, 2024

Shafali's explosive innings of 197 runs off 205 balls included 23 fours and eight sixes. She also shared a record-breaking opening partnership with vice-captain Smriti Mandhana. Their stand of 292 runs off 312 balls is the highest-ever in the history of Indian women's Test cricket.

Mandhana contributed significantly to the partnership, scoring 149 runs off 161 balls. This remarkable performance set a new benchmark for future matches.

Prior to this Test match, India Women and South Africa Women competed in a three-match ODI series, which India won convincingly with a 3-0 margin. Following the Test match, both teams are scheduled to play a three-match T20I series.

The cricketing world has taken note of Shafali Verma's extraordinary talent and her ability to break records at such a young age. Her achievements continue to inspire many young cricketers around the globe.