The opening day of the exclusive IND-W vs SA-W Test match at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai showcased a batting masterclass by the Indian Women’s cricket team. Dominating the South African bowlers with aplomb, India reached an imposing total of 525/4 by the close of day 1, thanks largely to the sensational efforts of Shafali Verma and Smriti Mandhana.
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Shafali Verma was the standout performer on the day, creating history with a spectacular double century. The young prodigy, known for her aggressive batting style, seamlessly transitioned her T20 and ODI prowess into the Test arena. Her innings was not just a display of power but also of maturity, as she meticulously picked her shots and paced her innings to perfection. By the time she was dismissed, she had amassed 220 runs, an innings laced with boundaries and sixes, sending the opposition bowlers on a leather hunt.
Complementing Verma’s brilliance was the elegant and stylish Smriti Mandhana. Mandhana, who has been the stalwart of the Indian batting lineup across all formats, anchored the innings beautifully with her own century. Her exquisite timing and placement made life difficult for the South African bowlers, as she brought up her century off just 150 balls. Mandhana’s innings was a blend of aggression and restraint, making sure that India maintained a steady scoring rate while keeping the wickets intact.
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The partnership between Verma and Mandhana was the cornerstone of India’s mammoth total. Their 300+ run stand for the second wicket was a sight to behold, as they took apart the South African bowling attack with ease. Verma’s audacious stroke play combined with Mandhana’s classical technique provided a batting clinic, making it a day to forget for the South African fielders.
Aside from the dynamic duo, the rest of the Indian batting lineup also made significant contributions. The experienced Harmanpreet Kaur provided a quickfire fifty, playing the perfect supporting role after the departure of the openers. Her aggressive approach further demoralized the South African bowlers, ensuring that the scoreboard kept ticking at a rapid pace.
Skipper Mithali Raj also played a crucial role, adding valuable runs in a calm and composed manner. Her rich experience and strategic acumen were on display as she guided the innings masterfully. Her ability to stabilize the side after the loss of Verma and Mandhana ensured that India didn’t lose the momentum they had built up over the course of the day.
The South African bowlers had a tough time on the field, with none of them managing to make significant inroads into the Indian batting lineup. The pitch at the MA Chidambaram Stadium, known for its batting-friendly nature, offered little assistance to the bowlers, further compounding their woes. The South African captain tried multiple bowling changes and field settings, but nothing seemed to work against a rampant Indian batting display.
As the play ended on day 1, India had firmly placed themselves in the driver’s seat with a commanding total of 525/4. The focus will now shift to how the Indian bowlers utilize this massive run cushion to put pressure on the South African batswomen and potentially force a result in their favor. With the pitch expected to deteriorate over the next few days, spinners will likely play a pivotal role.
The crowd at the MA Chidambaram Stadium was treated to an exhibition of top-notch batting, with Shafali Verma and Smriti Mandhana stealing the limelight. This performance not only boosts the confidence of the Indian Women but also sends a strong message to the cricketing world about their burgeoning dominance in the Test format. India will hope to replicate their batting prowess in the remaining days of the Test as they aim for a historic victory against South Africa.
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