Shafali Verma Creates Unique Record On Test Debut

17-year-old Shafali Verma entered the history books of Test cricket by becoming the youngest women cricketer to score fifty on both innings of her debut Test. She scored 96 in the first innings and followed it up with another fifty-plus score in the second innings. India were bowled out for 231 in the first innings and were asked to follow on after England scored 369/9 before declaring their first innings.

Along with becoming the youngest to score two fifties on her Test debut, she also became the fourth batter to bring up two fifties in two innings in a debut match. She was on 55 at stumps on day 2 of the one-off Test between India and England. India are 83/1 following on and still trailing by 82 runs in the second innings.

The start of the second day of the Test match was interrupted by rain but that settled down quickly for some quality cricket. On the other hand, the first day of the World Test Championship final between India and New Zealand was washed out due to rain.

Diana Edulji Impressed by Shafali Verma’s Impressive Test Debut

Former Indian Test cricketer Diana Edulji was very impressed by young Shafali Verma’s batting on the second day of the Test match. She further said that Verma is very much in the mould of former Indian cricketer Virender Sehwag.

“I am really looking forward to how Shafali plays. She is a match-winner. I only hope they don’t tinker with her game. She is a natural player. I don’t normally like comparing men and women cricketers, but she is someone in the (Virender) Sehwag mould,” said Diana Edulji to the Indian Express.

Shafali Verma stitched an opening stand of 167 with Smriti Mandhana (78) in the first innings. But the team lost wickets quickly once the opening stand was broken. India lost their last nine wickets for just 64 runs in the first innings. Both Mithali Raj and Harmanpreet Kaur failed to score runs.

In the second innings, Mandhana fell cheaply (8) while Verma is still going strong with Deepti Sharma at the other end (18*).

Also Read: Shafali Verma’s Father Reacts To Her Debut Test Innings Of 96