Shafali Verma’s Record-breaking Double Century Shines in Historic Test Match Against South Africa

During the one-off Test against South Africa, 20-year-old Shafali Verma made history by scoring the fastest double-century in women’s Test cricket. She achieved this feat by reaching 200 runs off just 194 balls, surpassing Annabel Sutherland’s record of 248 balls against South Africa earlier this year. Shafali is only the second Indian woman, after former skipper Mithali Raj, to achieve a double century in Test cricket, with Mithali’s 214 runs coming off 407 balls in 2002. Shafali hit 23 fours and eight sixes during her innings, and she was eventually run out at 205 off 197 balls. Her opening partner, Smriti Mandhana, also played aggressively, scoring 149 off 161 balls. Together, they formed a strong opening partnership of 292 runs in just 52 overs. India performed exceptionally well on the opening day, scoring at close to a run-a-ball.