For any cricketer, test cricket is the ultimate dream, and performing well for the country at this stage is a testament to a player’s skill and determination. In this article, we have covered some of the best test match performances and fastest fifties in the format.
Topping the list is Sangita Dabir. Dabir was a prolific batter and in the 4 test matches that she played scored 256 runs at an average of 52.80. Against England in a test in 1995, she hit her half-century in just 40 balls. She hit 10 fours in her innings and was in remarkable form. While the match was drawn, her knock remains unbeatable.
Second is Sri Lankan batter Vanessa Bowen. She played one test match where she scored a total of 141 runs against Pakistan. She too hit her fifty in 40 balls and displayed remarkable skill on the field. Her tremendous knock helped Sri Lanka in winning the match by a massive margin of 309 runs.
Fastest fifties in Women’s Tests by balls taken (where recorded)
40 – Sangita Dabir (IND-W) vs ENG-W, Kolkata (Ballygunje), 1995
48 – Nat Sciver-Brunt (ENG-W) vs AUS-W Canberra, 2022
49 – Shubha Satheesh (IND-W) vs ENG-W, Mumbai DYP, 2023
51 – Smriti Mandhana (IND-W) vs AUS-W, Carrara, 2021
The third player is Nat Sciver Brunt. One of the best all-rounders in the game, Brunt has amassed 590 runs in 9 matches at an average of 45.38. In the 2022 Ashes test, Australia was in control of the game but Brunt hit a remarkable half-century in 48 balls in the second innings of the game. She went on to score 58 and helped England in drawing the test.
Last but not the least is Shubha Satheesh. In her debut game, she hit a 49-ball century. She played the role of an anchor and also accelerated the innings when needed and hit 13 fours. She went on to score a splendid 69 which helped India in reaching a massive total of 410 on the first day itself. Her debut knock is one that will be remembered for a long.
With women’s cricket and the demand for women’s test matches gaining more popularity, it remains to be seen if any of these records will be broken.
Vaishnavi is a passionate author with an unwavering love for cricket, particularly women’s cricket. Her writing reflects her deep admiration for the sport and her dedication to promoting women’s participation in it. When she’s not following the latest cricket matches, Vaishnavi can be found engrossed in books or enjoying movies.