‘Toying with bowlers’- Shafali Verma,Smriti Mandhana propel India to stellar start on Day 1 of Chepauk Test

India Women kicked off their Only Test against South Africa at the MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chepauk, Chennai, on June 28. The clash came after the recently concluded ODI series of the ongoing tour, in which the Women in Blue whitewashed the visiting side after a 3-0 win in the matches played in Bengaluru.

As for the One-off Test, the game began with India women coming into bat first after winning the toss. Right from the get-go, the India openers put South Africa in a state of panic. The hosts opened with Shafali Verma and Smriti Mandhana coming into bat. 

Both batters put in an excellent performance, completing their centuries and propelling India women to a flying start. Smriti Mandhana scored 149 runs in 161 deliveries, with Shafali Verma scoring a ton as well.

By the time the afternoon session ended, Shafali Verma had scored 165 runs and continued her onslaught, punishing South Africa’s bowling attack whenever the opportunity presented itself.

Satheesh Shubha came in to bat after the wicket of Smriti Mandhana, but she had a short stay on the crease. Shubha could only manage 15 off 27 deliveries, as Nadine de Klerk got the better of the youngster. India women had amassed 334 runs to their name by the time session two of Day 1 ended. In the second session, India scored 204 runs, putting forth a marvellous performance.

As for South Africa women, Nadine de Klerk and Delmi Tucker were the only wicket takers for the side until session two, with one wicket each to their names. After a whitewash in the three-game ODI series, this was not the start that the visitors had envisioned for themselves.

As the game progresses, India women continue to mount up the pressure, thanks to the stellar start provided by the duo of Verma and Mandhana.

However, Shafali seemed to be in no mood to put a halt to her eye-soothing strokes, as she went on to double her score, getting to her first-ever double-hundred. With this stupendous knock, the young batter became only the second woman to do so after former legendary cricketer Mithali Raj, who had scored the first double hundred for the country. Notably, Shafali's also became the fastest cricketer to reach the prestigious landmark, ending her 197-ball stay at the crease, running herself out on 205.

Here’s how fans reacted on X to the knocks of Shafali Verma and Smriti Mandhana on Day 1 of the Chennai Test against South Africa: