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In a display of exceptional batting prowess, the Indian women’s cricket team asserted their dominance on the Day 1 of the one-off Test match against South Africa in Chennai’s MA Chidambaram Stadium. Both and Smriti Mandhana shone brightly with remarkable centuries, laying a solid foundation for India’s innings.
Shafali Verma’s aggressive blitz
Shafali opened with aggression and precision, reaching her century with 17 boundaries and 2 sixes, boasting a striking strike rate of 87.40. Verma’s fearless approach from the outset put India in a commanding position early on. She also made history by smashing the fastest century in Women’s Tests, achieving the milestone in just 113 balls, breaking the previous record of 137 balls set by Janette Brittin in 1984. Verma’s aggressive batting set the tone for India’s innings.
Smriti Mandhana’s composed century
Smriti complemented Verma’s attacking style with a composed century of her own. Her innings included 21 fours, maintaining a solid strike rate of 80.29. Following Shafali, Smriti reached her century off 122 balls, placing her second on the list of fastest centuries in Women’s Tests.
Highest opening partnership for India Women
Shafali and Smriti combined to record the highest opening partnership for India Women in Tests during this match. Their ongoing unbeaten partnership surpassed their own previous record of 167 runs against England i☂n Bristol🐷 in 2021. Their cohesive batting display demoralized the South African bowling attack and put India in a commanding position.
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Team strategy and composition: India and South Africa
Led by captain‘s decision to bat first, India capitalized on the absence of injured players like Yastika Bhatia with Richa Ghosh taking over wicketkeeping duties. The team opted for a spin-heavy attack, featuring Deepti Sharma, Sneh Rana and Rajeshwari Gayakwad, supported by seamers Renuka Singh and Pooja Vastrakar.
On the other hand, South Africa introduced fast bowler Annerie Dercksen to Test cricket, while Sinalo Jafta returned as wicketkeeper. The team faced setbacks with players like Tazmin Brits and Eliz-Mari Marx ruled out due to illness, relying on Nonkululeko Mlaba as their lead spinner.
Here’s how Fans reacted:
Top ton for Shafali. Hopefully first of the many she 𓄧ends up scoring.
India setting this game up well and truly early.
— Nikhil 🏏 (@CricCrazyNIKS)
An🐭other day, another Smriti Mandhana ton. What aꦍ run of form she’s going through 🔥
— Prashanth S (@ps_it_is)
Brilliant tons 💯💯
— Saurabh Malhotra (@MalhotraSaurabh)
2nd Test hundred for Smriti Mandhana 🏏👏
— WomenCricket.com (@WomenCricketHQ)
The tightest contest of the day, 🔜unfortunately for the Proteas, didnt involve the opponent at all. It was between Smriti Mandhana and Shafali Verma for who would 🅷get to their hundred first. And that tells you all you need to know about how lopsided this game has been. …
— Lavanya 🎙️🎥👩🏻💻 (@lav_narayanan)
Shafali aur mandhanna dono 100 aur partne꧑rship 200 cross kard🌟i
— Pricviz (@Pric_viz_)
Second Century for Smriti Mandhana! Her first against South Africa in Tests. This is her peak, this is her time. A purple patch no other Indian woman cricketer has seen for a very long ti🥀me now.
— The Cricket Philosopher (@outof22yards)
Smriti Mandhana just can't stop scoring International 100s at this stage of her career, another flawless innings!
Shafali Verma has matched her shot for shot as well! SA with absolutely no answers again🎃st th🔯e 2 Centurions!
— Nish Navalkar (@YUVI_NISH)
Shafali and Smriti in full flow! You are missing out if you aren't seeing this!!
— Kartik O 🏏⚽🔗 (@KOCricket528)
Shafali Verma & Smriti Mandhana become the first pair of batters to score over 700 partnership runs (9 inns) in Women's Tests. They beat the 22 year old record of 691 runs from 13 inns by England's Carole Hodges & Janette Brittin.
— Eye of Sauron (@cricketsauron)
Watchi♛ng test cricket and Shafali and Smriti are literally so aesthetically pleasing to watch, such a privilege that both of them play for my country
— adi (@Aditya17Jha)
Today Smriti Mandhana and Shafali Verma set a new record against South Africa in Women's Test cricket for the highest partnership by an Indian pair, surpassing their own previous record of 167 runs against England in 2021.
— Vijay Anaparthi (@VijayCricketFan)
HUNDRED FOR SHAFALI VARMA…!!!
– Shafali has absolutely dominated the South African bowling unit at Chepauk & completed her maiden Test Hundred. What a knock, she is back with a bang. 🔥
— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns)
Well played Shafali & Mandhana . 200 partnership ꦆwithout breaking a sweat . Great batting perfꦰormance
— Cricket Tamizhan (@CricketTamizhan)
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