In the recently concluded one-off Test against South Africa, the Indian women’s cricket team created history by achieving the highest-ever team total in women’s Tests, including their record-setting 525/4 on day one. Shafali Verma played a pivotal role with scoring a double century, while Smriti Mandhana contributed 149, leading to a record-breaking 292-run opening partnership. Sneh Rana also had a great bowling performance claiming a 10-wicket haul. The Indian team set the highest-ever team total in women’s Test cricket at 603/6, showing India’s dominance and the growing success of women’s cricket on the global stage.
Indian spinner Sneh Rana played a pivotal role in India’s victory. She shone with her bowling, taking a remarkable 8 wickets in the first innings. South Africa was restricted to just 266 runs in 84.3 overs, she conceded only 77 runs in her 25.3 overs during that spell.
Rana continued her impressive bowling form in the second innings, picking up 2 crucial wickets, adding another 111 runs to her conceded total across 40 overs bowled. This exceptional performance culminated in a historic 10-wicket haul for the match. Her final bowling figures were a phenomenal 10 wickets for 188 runs across 65.3 overs, a significant contribution to India’s win.
In a post-match conversation between Shafali Verma and Sneh Rana, Verma inquired about Rana’s emotions upon receiving the Player of the Match award.
To which Rana replied that it was an incredible feeling. She acknowledged the prestige associated with Test cricket, highlighting the universal desire among players to participate in this format. Emphasizing the team’s consecutive Test victories, Rana reiterated the immense satisfaction it brought her.
“Test itself is a prestigious format and everyone wants to play test matches,” Rana said.
Following her teammate Sneh Rana’s exceptional bowling performance, Shafali Verma turned the conversation towards Rana’s experience operating in the demanding Chennai humidity.
Rana reflected on the role of the support staff and also mentioned that it was because of them that they could play the fourth day.
Sneh said, “I would like to give this credit to my masseurs and physiotherapist.”
India’s women’s team witnessed a historic feat on Friday as star opener, Shafali Verma, rewrote the record books in Chennai. Verma became the fastest double centurion in the history of women’s Test cricket. During the one-off Test against South Africa, the 20-year-old unleashed an aggressive knock, reaching her double century in a mere 194 balls.
Following her impressive double century at such a young age, Sneh asked about what it felt like to score a double century at such a young age.
Shafali conveyed her joy, describing her feelings as truly amazing and expressing deep gratitude to God for the achievement.
Rana complimented Shafali on her celebration, seeing the graceful jump she executed. Rana also praised Shafali’s overall performance, acknowledging her exceptional play during the match. In response, Shafali reciprocated by praising Rana’s bowling performance, recognizing her skill and contribution to the team’s success.
“I wanted to know how it feels for a batter to score a century in international cricket, and now that I’ve felt it, I can say it’s a nice feeling.” Verma stated.
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