In a one-off Test against South Africa, the Indian women's cricket team recorded the highest-ever team total in a day of both the men's and women's Tests at the MA Chidambaram Stadium. With Shafali Verma scoring a double ton and Smriti Mandhana smashing 149 runs, India also registered their highest-ever Test innings total after 22 years. With records being broken left and right, India is in a strong position to break Australia's all-time record total on Day 2.
Smriti Mandhana's Stellar Performance Powers India's Historic Test Triumph
Background
On October 27, 2022, the Indian women's cricket team made history by recording the highest-ever team total in a day of both men's and women's Tests. Facing a formidable South African side at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai, India shattered numerous records.
Smriti Mandhana's Brilliance
Smriti Mandhana, India's vice-captain and one of the world's top batters, played a pivotal role in the team's success. Opening the innings, she displayed her class and composure, scoring an impressive 149 runs off 201 deliveries. Her knock featured 22 boundaries.
India's Record-Breaking Total
Thanks to Mandhana's heroics and Shafali Verma's blistering double century (212), India posted a mammoth 544/7 declared on the first day of the Test match. This was not only their highest-ever Test innings total but also the highest recorded by any team, men or women, in a single day of Test cricket.
Dominance over South Africa
India's dominance over South Africa continued as they restricted the visitors to 206/7 at stumps on Day 1. The pace trio of Renuka Singh, Meghna Singh, and Jhulan Goswami shared six wickets between them, giving India a significant advantage in the match.
Top 5 FAQs and Answers
1. What is the significance of India's record-breaking total? A: It is the highest-ever team total in a day of both men's and women's Tests, demonstrating India's growing prowess in the longest format.
2. How did Smriti Mandhana contribute to the team's success? A: Mandhana scored a brilliant 149 runs, the highest individual score by an Indian woman in Test cricket, and helped anchor the team's innings.
3. What are the implications of this victory for the Indian women's team? A: It boosts their confidence, solidifies their status as a top-tier team, and provides them with a platform to challenge the likes of Australia and England.
4. Why is this Test match important in the context of women's cricket? A: It showcases the growing popularity and competitiveness of women's Test cricket, paving the way for future generations of players.
5. What are the future prospects for the Indian women's cricket team? A: With a wealth of young talent and a strong coaching setup, the Indian women's cricket team has the potential to reach even greater heights in the coming years.
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