Shafali Verma Hits Fastest Women’s Test Double Century as Records Tumble in Historic IND vs SA Test

Chennai: Indian opener Shafali Verma stole the show on the opening day of the one-off Test against South Africa, smashing a record-breaking double century to propel her team to a mammoth total.

Verma’s belligerent knock of 205 runs from just 194 balls, the fastest double century in women’s Test history, laid the foundation for India’s dominant display. She surpassed the previous record held by Australia’s Annabel Sutherland (200 runs off 248 balls).

The 20-year-old partnered with Smriti Mandhana (149) for a staggering 292-run opening stand, the highest partnership for any wicket in Women’s Test history (second-highest overall). Mandhana’s knock was her highest individual score in the longest format.

India’s batting dominance continued throughout the day, with Jemimah Rodrigues (55) and a late cameo from captain Harmanpreet Kaur (42*) and wicketkeeper Richa Ghosh (43*) further bolstering the total. The team’s final score of 525/4 is the highest single-day total in a women’s Test match.

Verma’s innings was a masterclass in aggression, laced with 23 boundaries and eight towering sixes. She became only the second Indian woman cricketer after Mithali Raj to score a double century in Test cricket.

South Africa’s bowlers struggled to contain the rampant Indian batters throughout the day. The spin attack, in particular, found it difficult to make any inroads.

India will look to capitalise on their strong start and push for a win in the remaining days of the Test.