Shafali, Mandhana rewrite record books with Test centuries versus SA
What's the story
Indian women's team openers Shafali Verma and Smriti Mandhana smoked sparkling centuries in the one-off Women's Test against South Africa at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai. Both openers were equally brilliant as they batted with remarkable intent and scripted numerous records during the course. They also recorded the highest-ever opening stand in Women's Tests. Here we decode their stats and records.
Knocks
Thunderous knocks from the duo
Opting to bat, India were off to a delightful start as both Verma and Mandhana looked in full flow. While Mandhana took some time initially, Verma didn't hold back as runs were scored for fun. Verma took just 113 balls to complete her century. The southpaw needed 122 deliveries to touch the three-figure mark. They recorded the first 250-plus opening stand in Women's Tests.
Partnership feat
Second-highest partnership in Women's Tests
Mandhana and Verma added 292 runs, the second-highest partnership in the history of Women's Test. As per ESPNcricinfo, they are now only behind Australia's Denise Annetts and Lindsay Reeler, who added 309 runs against England in the 1987 Wetherby Test. Thirush Kamini and Punam Raut (275 versus SA, 2014) are the only other Indian batters to record a double-century stand in Women's Tests.
Mandhana
Career-best score for Mandhana
Mandhana was the first one to depart as she made a career-best 149 off 161 balls (27 fours, 1 six). This was her second Test ton as she has raced to 629 runs across seven Tests at 62.90 (100s: 2, 50s: 3). She made eight in her only previous Test innings versus SA. Meanwhile, this was also Mandhana's first Women's Test hundred at home.
Shafali
Double-century for Shafali
Shafali was run out for a 197-ball 205. She smoked 23 fours and eight sixes. This was her maiden three-figure score in the format as she has raced to 538 runs across five matches at 67.25 (50s: 3). Shafali is standing in her maiden Test against SA. Mithali Raj (214 versus England, 2002) is India's only other double-centurion in Women's Tests.
Records
Shafali also scripts these records
Shafali completed her double-hundred off just 194 balls, now the fastest in Women's Test. She went past Australia's Annabel Sutherland who achieved the feat in 248 balls against South Africa earlier this year. Shafali and Sutherland are the only double-centurions against SA. While the Indian ace also smoked eight maximums, no other batter has even three sixes in a Test innings.