In the ongoing India – South Africa one-off Test, the hosts India won the toss and opted to bat, achieving several milestones on day 1. They recorded the highest opening partnership, the fastest double century, one century, and one half-century, along with two unbeaten contributions of forty-plus runs. These performances collectively contributed to a monumental total of 525/4 in 98 overs on day 1, marking the highest-ever day 1 score in women’s Test cricket.
In this article, we will delve into the remarkable achievement of the highest-ever score recorded on day 1 in women’s Test cricket. This milestone highlights the exceptional talent and determination of the players, showcasing a historic moment in the sport’s history.
India 525/4 vs South Africa, at Chennai, 2024
On 28th June 2024, India recorded the highest-ever day 1 score in the one-off Test against South Africa at the M. A. Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai. India had put 525/4 on board at stumps on day 1, as the batting lineup stood up. India had a great start thanks to the opening partnership between Smriti Mandhana and Shafali Verma accounting for a 292-run stand. Individually, Mandhana scored 149 (161) and Verma recorded her maiden double century 205 (197). While Jemimah Rodrigues also reached her fifty, scoring 55 (94).
At the end of day 1, Harmanpreet Kaur and Richa Ghosh were in the middle, with the former unbeaten on 42 (76) and Ghosh at 43*(33), putting 525 score on day 1.
England 431/4 vs New Zealand, at Christchurch, 1935
On 16th February 1935, New Zealand opted to bat first but struggled against England’s bowling attack, getting bowled out for just 44 runs in 28.2 overs. Myrtle Maclagan was the standout bowler for England, taking 5 wickets for 22 runs, while Peter Taylor chipped in with 3 wickets for 6 runs. In response, England dominated with the bat in their first innings, finishing day 1 at 431/4. Betty Snowball led the charge with a remarkable 189, supported by Molly Hide’s 110 and Mollie Child’s unbeaten 62. Myrtle Maclagan also contributed with 26 runs, while Betty Archdale remained not out on 27 at the end of day 1. England were in a commanding position with a substantial lead.
At the end of day 1, England scored a total of 431/4 against New Zealand in the only Test at Christchurch. For England, Mollie Child scored 62* and Betty Archdale scored 27* on Day 1.
India 410/7 vs England, at DY Patil, 2023
On 14th December 2023, India put up a total of 410/7 against England at DY Patil, Nerul, Navi Mumbai at the close of day’s play on day 1. Here a lot of players turned up for India, like Debutant Satheesh Shubha scoring 69 (off 76), Jemimah Rodrigues with a solid 68 (off 99), captain Harmanpreet Kaur with a fine 49 (off 81) and Yastika Bhatia with a mature 66 (off 88).
With Deepti Sharma unbeaten on 60 and Pooja Vastrakar on 4*, India posted 410 runs on board on the day 1 wrap-up.
New Zealand 362/5 vs ENG-W Guildford, 1996
New Zealand elected to bat and declared their innings at 362/5 in 100 overs. Shelley Fruin scored 80 runs, Debbie Hockley added 65, Kirsty Bond made a near-century with 97, and Emily Drumm contributed 62. Maia Lewis also added in with 36 runs. Extras contributed 20 runs to the total.
At the end of day 1, New Zealand declared putting 362/5 on the board.
England 332/7 vs IND-W Worcester 1986
England elected to bat and declared their innings at 332/7 in 105 overs against India. Janette Brittin scored 125, while captain Carole Hodges remained unbeaten on 121. Diana Edulji was the pick of the Indian bowlers, taking 4 wickets for 94 runs. Sujata Sridhar and Shubhangi Kulkarni also contributed with wickets.
At the end of day 1, England declared putting 332/7 on the board.