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Shafali Verma dazzled in the one-off Test against South Africa at MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai. The young opener made headlines with a sensational double-century in the first innings. Despite her batting heroics, Verma raised eyebrows on Monday (July 1) with an unconventional fielding choice: she opted to wear a helmet while fielding at covers during the second innings of the Test.
Typically, fielders in close positions to the batsman wear helmets to protect against swift reactions required at short range. Verma’s decision to wear a helmet in the outfield added an intriguing twist to her performance in the match.
India secured a resounding victory in the recently-concluded one-off Test against South Africa, winning by 10 wickets. They comfortably chased down a target of 37 runs in less than 10 overs without losing a wicket. Shafali Verma played a brisk innings of 24 runs, supported by Shubha Satheesh who remained unbeaten on 13.
Earlier in the match, Shafali Verma made history with her maiden Test double-century, propelling India to their highest-ever Test total of 603 for 6 declared. Her blistering 205 off 197 balls, studded with 23 fours and 8 sixes, set a new record for the fastest double-century in women’s Test cricket. Opening partner Smriti Mandhana’s 149 and contributions from Richa Ghosh (86), Harmanpreet Kaur (69), and Jemimah Rodrigues (55) bolstered India’s imposing total.
South Africa, in response, managed 266 in their first innings with Sune Luus and Marizanne Kapp scoring fifties. Sneh Rana starred for India with 8 wickets. Asked to follow on, South Africa put up a better fight in their second innings, scoring 373 runs to avoid an innings defeat. Captain Laura Wolvaardt’s 122 and Sune Luus’s 109 were crucial in their effort.
