In a spectacular display of batting prowess, India’s opening batters Smriti Mandhana and Shafali Verma set the MA Chidambaram Stadium ablaze with their centuries against South Africa in the ongoing one-off Test. Opting to bat first after winning the toss, captain Harmanpreet Kaur’s decision was vindicated by an explosive start from Mandhana and Verma.
The duo began their innings with determination, solidifying their partnership through the first session. As the game progressed, they escalated their assault on the South African bowlers, consistently finding the boundaries. What started as a promising opening stand of 100 runs swiftly transformed into a formidable 200-run partnership.
The climax of their innings came in the 39th over when Shafali Verma, batting at 98*, smashed Nonkululeko Mlaba for a boundary to notch her maiden Test century. Not to be outdone, Smriti Mandhana, on 99*, took a single off the first ball of the next over to secure her second Test century. Their monumental efforts not only put India in a commanding position but also showcased their resilience and class throughout the match.
As the game progressed into the second session, Smriti Mandhana and Verma continued to dominate, further bolstering India’s chances of posting a massive first-innings total. With their exceptional batting display, they have set a formidable benchmark for the rest of the match, reaffirming their status as key players in India’s quest for victory against South Africa cricket match.
The cricketing world now eagerly awaits the continuation of this thrilling encounter, as India aims to capitalize on the momentum built by their dynamic opening pair.
