Jobaaj Stories
On Day 1 of the one-off Test match between India Women and South Africa Women at the storied M.A. Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai, the Indian women demonstrated their batting skills in a breathtaking show. India finished the day at a commanding 334/2 after 60 overs, thanks to a tremendous opening partnership between Smriti Mandhana and Shafali Verma. This intimidating total established a strong foundation for this historic match.
With the surface offering support to spinners, India chose to bat first after they won the toss and started the day. This move proved to be beneficial right away as Smriti Mandhana and Shafali Verma, the openers, piled up an incredible 271 runs for the first wicket, breaking the previous record for India Women in Tests. Before falling to Nadine de Klerk, Mandhana, who was in top form, hit a fluid 149 off 161 balls.
- Hundred vs Australia.
— Tanuj Singh (@ImTanujSingh) June 28, 2024
- Hundred vs South Africa.
Smriti Mandhana has the Most Hundred in Women’s Test Cricket by active players for India - The Best in the World. pic.twitter.com/beVVej2vCn
In contrast, Shafali Verma was the picture of aggression, slamming her way to a scorching 150 runs off only 121 deliveries. With five sixes and nineteen boundaries in her innings, she showed off her supremacy over the South African bowlers with a spectacular six right before the tea break.
Even after losing Mandhana's wicket, the Indian batsmen didn't give up, as Shubha Satheesh scored a quick fifteen runs before being removed by de Klerk. Throughout the day, they kept up a healthy run rate of more than five runs per over, which gave the middle order a sturdy look.
Smriti Mandhana and Shafali Verma now hold the record for the highest opening stand in women's Tests 👏https://t.co/07jDs5UymW #INDvSA pic.twitter.com/e4facPS3d3
— ESPNcricinfo (@ESPNcricinfo) June 28, 2024
As they battled to control the invading Indian batswomen, South Africa's bowling statistics portrayed a bleak picture. The remaining bowling attack was unable to apply consistent pressure on the Indian batting lineup, even with the efforts of Nadine de Klerk and Nonkululeko Mlaba, who were able to disrupt important partnerships.
The Indian squad also accomplished a number of significant milestones on that day. In Test cricket, Shafali Verma's century was the fastest by any Indian woman, highlighting her ascent to prominence in the game. India's domination over the opposition was further cemented when the Mandhana-Verma partnership became the highest opening stand in Women's Test history.
Smriti Mandhana falls one short of 150, and her opening stand with Shafali Verma ends on 292, the second-highest in women's Tests 🙌 https://t.co/07jDs5V6cu #INDvSA pic.twitter.com/VxUVNPfEBQ
— ESPNcricinfo (@ESPNcricinfo) June 28, 2024
India's goal on Day 2 of the match will be to maintain their lead and amass a huge first-inning total. The Indian spin duo of Deepti Sharma, Rajeshwari Gayakwad, and Sneh Rana will be keen to take advantage of the circumstances and put pressure on the South African batting lineup as the wicket is expected to give more help to spinners as the match goes on.
First day of India Women's one-off Test match against South Africa The women belonged strongly to the hosts, who demonstrated their determination and skill at bat from the first ball. South Africa will have a difficult time making a comeback against India, who will be confident going into the rest of the match as records are falling and milestones are being reached.
