New Delhi: India women’s star batter Shafali Verma scripted history on Friday after she scored a sensational double century on the first day of the one-off Test match against South Africa women in Chennai. After the terrific knock, the Indian opener termed her innings as a precious treasure which will remain with her all through the life.
Shafali scored her double century in 194 balls to snatch the record of the fastest 200 in women’s cricket from Australia’s Annabelle Sutherland. Her knock also helped India reel off a record end of the day score of 525 for four. This was also the maiden international three-digit score for the Indian batter across all the three formats.
“It’s a special moment for me and I will savour it as a precious treasure for the rest of my life. It is my second favourite knock after the U-19 T20 World Cup title win,” Shafali said in the post-day press meet.
The hard-hitting right-hander also highlighted her strong work ethics prior to this series.
“I couldn’t convert the starts I gained in the ODIs (vs SA in Bengaluru). Today, my plan was to take my time as the ball was moving initially, and they were also bowling well,” said Shafali.
“I was backing my strength and tried to gradually settle down. With God’s grace, I have managed to get my first 100 and 200 at the same time, which is a tribute to my hard work, so really happy to contribute to the team.”
The batter’s previous best was 96 against England three years ago, and she admitted that there were a few jitters when she was in the 90s. Shafali also credited the batters camp at the National Cricket Academy in Bengaluru before coming into the series against the Proteas. Before the only Test match, India registered a 3-0 victory over South Africa in the ODI series and will lock horns in three-match T2oI series after the culmination of the five-day game.
Shafali scored her double century in 194 balls to snatch the record of the fastest 200 in women’s cricket from Australia’s Annabelle Sutherland. Cricket Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
