Shubha, Jemimah Shine in Test

In a historic display of batting prowess, debutantes Shubha Satheesh and Jemimah Rodrigues showcased their mettle, securing maiden half-centuries on the opening day of the one-off four-day Test between India and England Women at the DY Patil Stadium. The Indian team’s stellar performance saw them posting an imposing total of 410/7 in 94 overs by the day’s end, marking only the second instance in women’s Test cricket where a team has amassed 400-plus runs in a single day.

Shubha Satheesh led the charge, delivering a standout performance with an impressive score of 69, closely followed by Jemimah Rodrigues, who notched up 68 runs in her debut Test match. The batting display continued to dazzle as Yastika Bhatia, in her third Test outing, contributed significantly with a solid 66 off 88 balls. Deepti Sharma also joined the half-century club, further bolstering India’s dominant position.

The match unfolded as a thrilling cat-and-mouse game, with both India and England Women engaging in strategic maneuvers to gain the upper hand. The visitors displayed resilience by consistently pulling back the hosts whenever India attempted to assert their dominance.

The achievement of surpassing the 400-run mark in a single day underscores the exceptional skill and determination of the Indian women’s cricket team. The debutantes’ remarkable performances, coupled with contributions from seasoned players like Yastika Bhatia and Deepti Sharma, reflect the team’s depth and balance.

As the one-off Test continues, the Indian team will look to build on their strong start, aiming to set a formidable total against England Women. The dynamic and competitive nature of the match promises cricket enthusiasts an exciting contest between two skilled teams, with each session likely to bring forth new challenges and moments of brilliance.

_{Repurposed article originally published in the Quint.}