Shafali Verma made history on Friday, June 28, by breaking Australia all-rounder Annabel Sutherland's record for the fastest double century in women's Test cricket. Sutherland had scored a double century in 248 balls against South Africa Women in Perth earlier this year.
The 20-year-old Shafali transformed her maiden century into a double century on Day 1 of the only Test match against South Africa Women at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai.
ALSO READ: Gutted Jos Buttler regrets committing big blunder after losing to India in T20 World Cup semifinal, says 'In hindsight, I should have...'
ALSO READ: Rohit Sharma breaks silence on Virat Kohli's rusty form after India's win in T20 World Cup semis, says 'when you've played for 15 years...'
The Haryana-born cricketer reached this milestone in just 194 balls. Unfortunately, she was run out three deliveries later after Jemimah Rodrigues pushed a ball towards mid-on and attempted a quick single. A tired Shafali Verma was a bit slow in responding to Rodrigues' call.
Shafali Verma became only the second Indian woman to score a Test double century, following former captain Mithali Raj, who achieved this feat against England in Taunton in August 2022, scoring 214 runs off 407 balls in the first innings. Overall, Shafali Verma is the 10th woman in cricket history to score a double century in Test cricket.
After India skipper Harmanpreet Kaur opted to bat first, the opening pair of Shafali Verma and Smriti Mandhana frustrated the South African bowlers by building a solid partnership early in the match. The duo formed a 292-run stand until Smriti Mandhana was dismissed after scoring a brilliant 149 off 161 balls.
Shubha Satheesh had a short stay at the crease, being dismissed for 15 at 325/2. Shafali Verma then led India's batting through the second session. Her stay at the crease ended in the third session when she was dismissed at 411/3.
Fastest Double Hundreds in Women’s Tests
| Players | Balls | vs Team | Year |
| Shafali Verma (IND) | 194 | South Africa | 2024 |
| Annabel Sutherland (AUS) | 256 | South Africa | 2021 |
| Karen Rolton (AUS) | 313 | England | 2001 |
| Michelle Goszko (AUS) | 345 | England | 2001 |
| Ellyse Perry (AUS) | 374 | England | 2007 |
MORE ON SPORTS TAK
South Africa team left stranded on Trinidad airport due to plane crash ahead of big IND vs SA Final
