Shefali Verma Scores Fastest Double Hundred in Women’s Cricket History

During the first day of the only Test between India and South Africa Women, opener Shefali Verma made history by scoring the fastest double hundred in women’s cricket. She achieved this feat at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai.

Shefali’s Record-Breaking Innings

Shefali Verma scored an impressive 205 runs off 197 balls, with a strike rate of 104.06. Her innings included 23 fours and eight sixes. She was run out in the 75th over. Shefali surpassed Australian cricketer Annabel Sutherland’s record, who had scored a double hundred in 248 balls earlier this year.

Shefali’s 200-run mark came in just 194 balls. She fell short by 38 runs of the highest individual Test score in women’s cricket, held by Pakistan’s Kiran Baluch, who scored 242 runs in 2004.

Other Highlights

Shefali became the second Indian woman to score a double hundred in Test cricket, following former skipper Mithali Raj’s 214 runs against England 22 years ago.

After Day 1, India scored 525 runs for the loss of four wickets in 98 overs. Other notable contributions came from Smriti Mandhana (149 runs), Jemimah Rodrigues (55 runs), Harmanpreet Kaur (42* runs), and Richa Ghosh (43* runs).

South Africa’s Bowling

For South Africa, Delmi Tucker was the standout bowler, taking two wickets in her 26-over spell, conceding 141 runs. Nadine de Klerk also took one wicket, giving away 62 runs in her 10-over spell.