SA Women tour of India: Women in Blue set a world record with a stunning 603/6d against the Proteas

The second day of the one-off Test between India Women and South Africa (SA) Women witnessed a historic performance from the Indian side, setting new records in women’s cricket. As of 11 am, India declared their first innings at a staggering 603/6d, marking the highest total ever in all women’s first-class cricket.

Breaking records:

Highest Total in Women’s First-Class Cricket: India’s total of 603/6d surpasses the previous record of 596 all-out by Australia against England A in 1998. This also places them just behind the highest total in women’s List A cricket, 632/4 by Kandyan Ladies Cricket Club in 2007.

Highest Partnership in Indian Women’s Tests: Shafali Verma and Smriti Mandhana stitched together a monumental 292-run partnership, overtaking the previous highest of 275 by Punam Raut and Thirush Kamini against South Africa in 2014. Notably, these two partnerships have come in the last two Tests between India and South Africa, with no other stand exceeding 170 runs.

Most Runs in a Single Day of a Test: India ended Day 1 with 525/4, setting a new record for the highest number of runs scored by a team in a single day in Test cricket (men’s or women’s), surpassing the previous record of 508 by Sri Lanka against Bangladesh in 2002.

Fastest Double Century in Women’s Tests: Shafali Verma’s explosive innings saw her scoring a double century in just 194 balls, the fastest in women’s Test cricket. She hit a six while in the 190s, emulating Virender Sehwag’s similar feat against South Africa in 2008 at the same venue.

Day 1 Report:

Opting to bat on a red-soil surface, India began cautiously, accumulating 130 runs in the morning session without taking unnecessary risks. South Africa’s bowlers, despite a few good patches, struggled to maintain consistency. The first breakthrough opportunity came when Marizanne Kapp dropped a half-chance from Smriti Mandhana at midwicket.

The afternoon session saw India accelerating their innings, adding 204 runs in 32 overs for the loss of just two wickets. Shafali’s maiden double century was a masterclass in aggressive batting, with 142 runs scored on the on-side, including five sixes towards long-on.

Mandhana complemented Shafali’s aggression with a brilliant 149 off 161 balls, featuring 27 fours and one six. Her exquisite cover drives were a highlight, and she reached her century alongside Shafali in consecutive deliveries.

South Africa managed to break the opening stand after 52 overs when Mandhana was caught at first slip. Shafali continued to dominate, converting her 150 into a double century with a push to long-off. Her innings finally ended due to a mix-up, leaving the field with a well-deserved applause from the 3000-strong crowd at Chepauk.

Jemimah Rodrigues contributed a classy 55, while Harmanpreet Kaur and Richa Ghosh remained unbeaten on 42 and 43 respectively. Delmi Tucker was the pick of the South African bowlers with two wickets in her 26-over spell.

A day of milestones:

Shafali’s Record-Breaking Day: Shafali became the first woman to score over 200 runs in a single day in Test cricket, surpassing Betty Snowball’s 189 runs against New Zealand in 1935.

Top five most runs in a day in Women’s Tests:

Shafali Verma – 205 vs SA, 2024
Betty Snowball – 189 vs NZ, 195
Karen Rolton – 185 vs ENG, 2001
Michelle Goszko – 183 vs ENG, 2001
Rachael Heyhoe-Flint – 179 vs AUS, 1976

South Africa’s struggle was evident as they rotated through seven bowlers, with captain Laura Wolvaardt delaying the introduction of experienced Sune Luus until after 80 overs. The pitch offered some turn towards the end of the day but remained largely benign for the bowlers.

India’s dominant display on Day 1 has set the stage for an exciting continuation of the match, with South Africa facing a daunting challenge as they begin their innings. The records tumbled as India’s batters showcased their prowess, making a strong statement in this historic Test.