Shafali Verma Smashes Double Century, India Sets New Records in Women's Test

The first day of the special women's Test match between India and South Africa began on Friday. Many records were broken, including the highest-ever single-day total for India thanks to a brilliant double century from young opener Shafali Verma.

On a day when the home batting sent the visitors on a leather hunt, Shafali's double century (205), hit off just 194 balls, and her strong 292-run partnership with Smriti Mandhana (149) laid the groundwork for India's enormous 525 for four.

Shafali broke Australia's Annabel Sutherland's record for most consecutive centuries with 248 deliveries during a Test match against South Africa in February.

In addition, the 20-year-old became just Mithali Raj's second Indian female cricket player to score a double century in a Test match.

The previous captain of India, Mithali, scored 214 off 407 balls in the second Test match against England at Taunton in August 2002, which ended in a tie.

India also defeated the record of 89 runs for the most runs in a single day. In 1935, the women of England defeated the women of New Zealand 431/2 at Lancaster Park in Christchurch.

Shafali was ran out at 205 (197 balls), just after she finished her double-ton.

The youthful opener's prior Test record stood at 96. Playing in her lone Test match, the hard-hitting batsman struck 23 boundaries and eight maximums in her remarkable innings.

Shafali's day was made when she easily scored runs that left the Porteas bowlers perplexed about their line and length and the Chepauk audience erupting in joy.

Shafali and Mandhana chose to bat and took advantage of the known circumstances and the inexperience of the bowlers.

In 98 overs, India Women defeated South Africa Women 525/4 (S. Verma 205, S. Mandhana 149).

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