In a historic moment for women’s cricket, Tanusree Sarkar has etched her name in the record books by becoming the first batter in the world to score two centuries in a women’s first-class game. Her stellar performance in the 2025 Senior Women’s Multi-Day Challenger Trophy has redefined batting consistency, making her the tournament’s top run-scorer with a staggering 280 runs to her name.
The 26-year-old showcased her incredible skill and temperament, notching up an unbeaten 153 in the first innings and following it up with another masterclass—an unbeaten 102. This makes her the only player in the tournament to achieve twin centuries, solidifying her place as a dominant force in the competition. Her technique, composure, and hunger for runs were on full display, setting a new benchmark for excellence.
When Team A’s skipper, Minnu Mani, opted to field first after winning the toss, Team C found themselves relying on Tanusree Sarkar’s brilliance to stabilize their innings.
Walking in at number three, Sarkar played the anchor’s role to perfection, ensuring that her team built a formidable total. As wickets fell at the other end, she remained unshaken, steering Team C past the 300-run mark. Her marathon knock of 153* off 278 balls was an exhibition of resilience, laced with 21 boundaries and a towering six. Despite the spirited bowling efforts of Minnu Mani (5/91) and Tanuja Kanwer (2/74), Team C managed to post a competitive total of 313 in 98 overs.
The opposition, Team A, responded with determination with Vrinda Dinesh leading the charge with a gritty 78, reaching 291/9 at the close of play on Day 2. They trailed by just 22 runs. However, the final-wicket pair of Pragati Singh (21*) and Vasavi Akhila Pavani (7) managed to chip away at the deficit, adding 14 crucial runs to end Team A’s innings at 305—just eight runs short of Team C’s total.
Team C’s second innings began with a solid start from openers Shafali Verma and Riya Chaudhari, who kept the scoreboard ticking at a brisk pace. However, Verma’s dismissal in the 6th over, courtesy of Tanuja Kanwer, brought Tanusree Sarkar back to the crease. She once again displayed her class, stitching together a vital 59-run partnership with Chaudhari.
As wickets fell around her, Sarkar remained unflappable. She found an able ally in skipper Jemimah Rodrigues, who played an impressive knock of 55*. The duo steadied the innings, ensuring that Team C maintained their dominance. Sarkar’s second unbeaten century of the game, 102* off 184 balls, included 13 boundaries, further underlining her impeccable form.
With her twin centuries, Tanusree Sarkar has propelled herself to the top of the tournament’s run-scoring charts, averaging a remarkable 280. Team C, led by Rodrigues, secured the crucial first-innings lead, earning vital points that placed them atop the table with four points from two matches.
As the 2025 Senior Women’s Multi-Day Challenger Trophy progresses, Sarkar’s performances have become the talk of the tournament, setting a high bar for excellence in women’s first-class cricket.
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