[Watch] Shubha Satheesh Grabs Headlines With Test Fifty On Debut In IND-W vs ENG-W
Shubha Satheesh celebrates his fifty [X.com]
In a dazzling debut, Karnataka's 24-year-old left-hander, Shubha Satheesh, displayed formidable batting skills in the ongoing India Women vs England Women Test at DY Patil Stadium. Coming at number three, Shubha's exceptional performance included the second-fastest half-century by an Indian woman in Test cricket.
Facing just 49 balls, Shubha's bat wielded magic, registering her half-century with a graceful boundary down the ground, the ninth four of her innings.
This accomplishment places her just behind Sangita Dabir's record-setting 40-ball fifty, the fastest in women's cricket. The Karnataka batter's innings not only demonstrated her skills but also played a pivotal role in India's recovery after they lost Smriti Mandhana and Shafali Verma early in the game.
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Teaming up with fellow debutant Jemimah Rodrigues, Shubha orchestrated a solid partnership that propelled India to a commendable 136 for two in 27 overs by the end of the first session. The duo's resilience and strategic play were evident as they skillfully navigated through the challenges posed by the English bowling attack.
Shubha's remarkable half-century places her as only the 12th Indian woman to achieve a fifty-plus score on Test debut. Her contribution to the team's total was not only significant for the match but also showcased her potential as a rising star in Indian women's cricket.
Off the field, Shubha Satheesh has recently made headlines by being acquired by Royal Challengers Bangalore for INR 10 Lakh during the WPL 2024 Auction on December 9. Her inclusion in the squad adds another layer of excitement to the upcoming cricketing events.
With an impressive array of shots, including two exquisite straight drivers and a couple of pleasing cut shots to the fence, Shubha's batting display was a treat for cricket enthusiasts. Her innings ended at 69 runs, a well-crafted score that reflected her ability to capitalize on the opportunities presented.
Sophie Ecclestone managed to dismiss Shubha, but the momentum created by her innings set the stage for India to reach 190 for three, with Jemimah Rodrigues standing strong at 68 not out and Harmanpreet Kaur at 4, joining her on the crease.
 "Sumit Gupta")
