Shafali made her double century in 194 balls to snatch the record of the fastest 200 in women’s cricket from Australia’s Annabelle Sutherland, who had achieved the feat off 248 deliveries in a Test against South Africa in February. Her knock helped India reel off a record end of day score.

The 20-year-old Indian also became only the second Indian woman after the legendary Mithali Raj to hit a double century in Test cricket. Mithali’s 214 had come off 407 balls during the drawn second Test against England at Taunton in August, 2002.

Poll

Who will win the Punjab Elections?

BJP 32.76%

AAP 43.10%

INC 24.14%

Submit

View All In Poll

Shafali’s maiden int’l ton

This was also the maiden international three-digit score for Shafali across all three formats. “It’s a special moment for me and I will savour it as a precious treasure for the rest of my life. It is my second favourite knock after the U-19 [T20] World Cup [title win],” Shafali said in the post-day press meet.

The hard-hitting right-hander also highlighted her strong work ethics prior to this series. “I couldn’t convert the starts I gained in the ODIs [v SA in Bangalore]. Today, my plan was to take my time as the ball was moving initially, and they were also bowling well,” said Shafali.

Also Read: #DoItForDravid trends ahead of final, but coach Rahul prioritises team success

“I was backing my strength and tried to gradually settle down. With God’s grace, I have managed to get my first 100 and 200 at the same time, which is a tribute to my hard work, so really happy to contribute to the team,” she added.

The 20-year-old’s previous best was 96 against England three years ago, and she admitted that there were a few jitters when she was in the 90s. “No one forgets getting dismissed on 96, and I remembered that moment while I was on 96 [today]. All I was thinking was to score those four runs. Even when I approached 200, I was trying to back myself,” she stated.

‘Smriti backs me a lot’ 

She credited Mandhana for helping her maintain the calmness. “Smriti di [sister] always backs me a lot at the crease, which helps me because she keeps telling me to play calmly. So, thanks to her as well,” she mentioned.

The SA bowlers, especially the spinners, struggled on the Chennai pitch with Delmi Tucker being the most successful with a haul of 2 for 141.

However, Shafali felt that the pitch was starting to turn towards the day’s end and backed India spinners to come good. “Although their spinners lacked turn initially, there was some turn in the post-tea session. Thus, hoping for our spinners to come in handy tomorrow,” she signed off. 

Brief scores
India 525-4 (S Verma 205, S Mandhana 149, J Rodrigues 55, R Ghosh 43', H Kaur 42'; D Tucker 2-141) v South Africa

194
No. of balls Shafali took to reach her double ton, the fastest-ever in women’s Tests 

Two
Shafali is only the second Indian woman, after Mithali Raj, to score 200 in Tests

292
Shafali and Smriti Mandhana’s record opening stand and second-highest partnership in women’s Tests

This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever