South Africa’s women’s cricket team are on a tour of India for 3 ODIs, one off-test match, and 3 T20Is. Following India’s 3-0 ODI series win, the ongoing one-off Test match at M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Chennai, where the Indian batters are dominating the South African bowlers, showing their batting abilities in test cricket.
In a remarkable display of talent and batting skills, Shafali Verma has etched her name in the annals of Indian cricket history. The young batting sensation has crossed the record-breaking milestone of 500 international Test runs in a unique manner, becoming both the fastest and youngest Indian batter to achieve this feat.
Shafali made her Test debut on June 16, 2021, against England during India women’s tour of England in Bristol, where she showcased her batting skills and power, effortlessly. In her debut Test, she scored half-centuries in both innings, with a magnificent 96 runs in the first innings at a strike rate of 63.15 and 63 runs in the second innings at a strike rate of 75.90.
A Knock to Remember by Shafali Verma 😍
205 Runs | 23×4 8×6 | SR: 104.06#CricketTwitter #INDvSA pic.twitter.com/dSyEKUItQ6
— Female Cricket (@imfemalecricket) June 28, 2024
After her first Test, Shafali consistently scored runs throughout the 5 matches she has played. In 8 innings, Shafali has scored three half-centuries, her third half century came against Australia during India women’s tour of Australia in Carrara on September 30, 2021, where she scored 52 runs at a strike rate of 57.14.
In the longest format of the game, Shafali Verma became the joint fastest as well as youngest batter to complete this incredible milestone on day 1 of home South Africa Test. She achieved this feat in just 5 matches, equaling the earlier record set by Sandhya Agarwal. She accomplished this feat at the age of 20 years and 152 days, becoming the youngest Indian batter to do so.
Earlier in the day, Smriti Mandhana played an incredible innings of 149 runs, becoming the second batter to complete 500 runs after Sandhya Agarwal. However, when Shafali completed her 162 runs in this Test, she surpassed Smriti Mandhana and became the joint fastest batter, making Smriti the third Indian batter to achieve the record of 500 Test runs. She not only touched the 500 runs mark in the Test, but also made the fastest-ever 200 by a woman in the test.
Shafali Verma’s achievement of these extraordinary Test feats is a testament to her extraordinary talent and the bright future of women’s cricket in India. This milestone not only highlights Verma’s individual brilliance but also showcases the increasing depth and quality of Indian women’s cricket.
As she continues to break records and set new benchmarks at such a young age, Verma is not just securing her place in the team but also inspiring a new generation of cricketers. Verma’s success story is a clear indication that with proper nurturing and opportunities, young Indian women cricketers can excel on the global stage, even in the longest format of the game.
Youngest Indian to 500 Test runs:
Shafali Verma – 20y 152d
Sandhya Agarwal – 21y 308d
Shantha Rangaswamy – 23y 7d
Mithali Raj – 23y 266d
Gargi Banerjee – 24y 344d
Fastest Indian to 500 Test runs, by matches:
Sandhya Agarwal – 5 matches
Smriti Mandhana – 7 matches
Hemlata Kala – 7 matches
Shantha Rangaswamy – 7 matches