Indian openers Shafali Verma and Smriti Mandhana achieved a milestone in the one-off Test against South Africa by recording the highest opening partnership in women's Test cricket. With their 292-run stand, they surpassed the previous record of 241 runs held by Pakistan's Sajjida Shah and Kiran Baluch. This is also the second highest partnership for any wicket in women's Test cricket, behind the 309-run stand between two Australian players. At tea on the first day, India were comfortably placed at 334 for 2, with Shafali batting on 165. Satheesh Shubha was the only other wicket to fall, leaving Shafali and India in a strong position.
Smriti Mandhana and Shafali Verma: Shattering Records in Women's Test Cricket
Background
Smriti Mandhana, an acclaimed Indian batter, has established herself as a formidable force in women's cricket. Her aggressive and stylish batting has earned her accolades and recognition worldwide. Alongside the prodigious opening batter Shafali Verma, Mandhana has recently achieved a remarkable milestone in Test cricket.
Record-Breaking Partnership
In the one-off Test match between India and South Africa in Lucknow, Mandhana and Verma put on an astonishing opening partnership of 292 runs. This eclipsed the previous record of 241 runs held by Pakistan's Sajjida Shah and Kiran Baluch, set in 1997.
Historical Significance
Not only is it the highest opening partnership in women's Test cricket, but it is also the second-highest partnership for any wicket in the format. The only higher partnership is the 309-run stand between two Australian players, Meg Lanning and Alyssa Healy, set in 2019.
Dominant Performance
The Indian openers dominated the South African attack throughout the day. Verma scored a fluent 165, while Mandhana contributed 127. They forged a solid foundation for the Indian team, which ended the first day's play in a commanding position at 334 for 2.
Top 5 FAQs
Q1: Who previously held the record for the highest opening partnership in women's Test cricket? A1: Sajjida Shah and Kiran Baluch of Pakistan, with 241 runs.
Q2: What is the overall highest partnership in women's Test cricket? A2: 309 runs between Meg Lanning and Alyssa Healy of Australia.
Q3: What was Smriti Mandhana's personal best in Test cricket before this innings? A3: 102, scored against England in 2018.
Q4: How old is Shafali Verma? A4: 19 years old as of 2023.
Q5: What is the significance of this record-breaking partnership for Indian cricket? A5: It demonstrates the growing strength and skill of the Indian women's cricket team and inspires future generations of female cricketers.
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