The Women’s Test match between India and South Africa at the iconic MA Chidambaram Stadium sparkled with brilliance on Friday as the hosts asserted their dominance in a sensational first session.
By lunch on day one, India had accumulated a dazzling 130 runs without losing a wicket.
Openers Shafali Verma and Smriti Mandhana enchanted the crowd with their masterful displays of cricket. Shafali, unbeaten on a thrilling 65 from 75 balls, played with a perfect blend of aggression and precision, leaving the spectators in awe. Her partner, Mandhana, matched her stroke for stroke, scoring a graceful 64 off 93 balls.
The duo expertly punished every loose delivery from the South African bowlers with impeccable timing and shot selection.
The South African bowlers toiled hard but found it nearly impossible to contain the Indian openers. Shafali particularly dazzled with a sequence of back-to-back boundaries off Nadine de Klerk, showcasing her exceptional ability to place and time the ball flawlessly.
Mandhana’s fifty was a moment of sheer elegance, reaching the milestone with a sublime punch through the covers off Nonkululeko Mlaba. Her continued superb form was a testament to her dedication and skill.
At lunch, the scoreboard gleamed with India Women at a commanding 130-0 after 28 overs. The unbroken opening partnership between Shafali and Mandhana has laid a formidable foundation for a potentially monumental first innings total.
As the teams head into the next session, the South African bowlers face the challenging task of regrouping and devising new strategies to break this formidable partnership. India, on the other hand, will look to capitalise on this strong start and build an imposing total.
The pressure is now on the South African bowlers to find a breakthrough and shift the momentum in their favour. Until then, the Indian openers continue to delight with their splendid performances.
Brief scores
India Women: 130/0, 28 overs (Shafali Verma 65, Smriti Mandhana 64); South Africa Women: Yet to bat.
