South Africa tour of India: Shafali Verma’s double ton, Smriti Mandhana’s century stand out on Day 1

Opener Shafali Verma’s record-breaking double century (205) and Smriti Mandhana’s century (149) laid the foundation for India’s commanding total on the opening day of the one-off women’s Test against South Africa at the M Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai on Friday.

After 98 overs, India finished with 525/4 on Day 1. The day saw records tumble, as India surpassed the 89-year-old mark for the most runs scored on a single day.

It was a record previously held by England women who scored 431/2 against New Zealand in 1935 at Lancaster Park, Christchurch.

#Cricket #INDvSA

India dominates Day 1????

Led by a double century from Shafali Verma (205), a Smriti Mandhana century (149), the hosts push their total past 500.

IND: 525/4 (98)

????: BCCIhttps://t.co/xj0kXaneo6 pic.twitter.com/Jc1sw7rSXp— The Field (@thefield_in) June 28, 2024

Verma reached her double-century in just 194 balls, breaking the previous record set by Australia's Annabel Sutherland, who achieved the milestone in 248 deliveries against South Africa earlier in the year. Her formidable 292-run partnership with Mandhana ensured that the day belonged to the openers.

Verma was eventually run out for 205 off 197 balls, surpassing her previous best Test score of 96. In only her fifth Test match, she blazed her way to 23 boundaries and eight sixes.

Verma also became only the second Indian woman, after former captain Mithali Raj,...

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