Shafali Verma Creates History with Quickest Double-Century in Women’s Test Cricket

NEW DELHI: Shafali Verma, the dynamic Indian opener, made headlines on Friday by smashing the quickest double-century in women’s Test cricket during the one-off match against South Africa. The 20-year-old achieved this remarkable feat by reaching her double ton in just 194 deliveries, surpassing Australia’s Annabel Sutherland who had previously held the record at 248 balls earlier this year.

Shafali became the second Indian after former captain Mithali Raj to score a double century in Test cricket, nearly 22 years after Raj’s feat of 214 off 407 balls during the drawn second Test against England at Taunton in August 2002.

Throughout her aggressive innings, Shafali hit an impressive 23 fours and eight sixes. She reached her milestone with back-to-back sixes off off-spinner Delmi Tucker, followed by a single. Her brilliant knock finally came to an end when she was run out for 205 off 197 balls.

Shafali’s opening partner, Smriti Mandhana, also played an attacking innings, scoring 149 off 161 balls with 27 boundaries and one six. Together, they formed a formidable opening partnership of 292 runs, which came off just 52 overs.

India dominated the opening day against South Africa, scoring at a blistering pace close to a run-a-ball. This historic achievement by Shafali Verma is a testament to her talent and prowess as a young cricketer.