‘All I was thinking was to score those four runs’ – Shafali Verma reveals nervous thoughts during heroic knock in Chennai Test

Shafali Verma. (Photo Source: BCCI Women)

Shafali Verma played a historical knock as she smashed 205 runs off 197 balls against South Africa in the ongoing one-off Test at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Mumbai on June 28. The right-handed batter hit a whopping 23 boundaries and eight maximums before being subjected to an unfortunate run-out. The India opener, broke the 40-year-old record by reaching the century in just 113 balls, overtaking England’s Jenette Brittin’s 137-ball ton.

Shafali also became the second youngest to score a double century after former India captain Mithali Raj. The retired cricketer achieved the same feat against England in 2002 and Shafali is the only second Indian to reach the landmark. Coming back to the game, Shafali along with Smriti Mandhana forged a 292-run stand for the first wickets as India posted a commanding total of 525 for four on Day 1 of the Test. The 20-year-old quipped that she will cherish the moment for the rest of her life.

“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). I couldn’t convert the starts I gained in the ODIs (vs SA in Bengaluru). Today, my plan was to take my time as the ball was moving initially, and they were also bowling well,” said Shafali as quoted by The Week.

Also Read: ‘Toying with bowlers’- Shafali Verma, Smriti Mandhana propel India to stellar start on Day 1 of Chepauk Test

“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. 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 added.

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Mandhana carries solid form to red-ball format

Another standout moment from the match was the innings from Mandhana as the start India batter scored 149 runs in just 161 deliveries. Mandhana has been in roaring form as she scored consecutive tons in the ODI series and was dismissed on 91 in the third ODI. She became the first woman to score back-to-back tons in One-Dayers and has been the harbinger of the Women in Blue’s success in limited-overs.

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