Highest Team Totals in Women Test Cricket : Women’s Test cricket has seen some incredible batting performances, especially in recent years, as teams have pushed the boundaries and set new records. The year 2024 has been particularly momentous, with two of the highest ever team totals in women’s Test history being recorded within a few months.
Let’s have a look into more details: Highest Team Totals in Women Test Cricket
1. India Women – 603/6 d vs South Africa Women, Chennai 2024
The highest team total in the history of women’s Test cricket was achieved by the Indian Women’s team in June 2024. Playing against South Africa at the M.A. Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai, India amassed a colossal 603/6 declared.
Shafali Verma was the star of the innings, smashing a record-breaking 205 off just 197 balls. Her innings was notable not just for its sheer volume but also for its speed, as she became the fastest woman to score a double century in Test cricket. Smriti Mandhana, her opening partner, also played a pivotal role with a superb 149, contributing to an opening stand of 292 runs. Contributions from Jemimah Rodrigues (55), Harmanpreet Kaur (69), and Richa Ghosh (86) further bolstered the innings, helping India to set a monumental total. This innings not only broke the previous highest score in women’s Tests but also highlighted the evolution and dominance of the Indian women’s team in the longest format of the game.
2. Australia Women – 575/9 d vs South Africa Women, Perth 2024
Just months before India’s record, Australia had set a new benchmark with their total of 575/9 declared against South Africa at Perth’s WACA Ground in February 2024. This performance was the highest in women’s Test cricket until it was surpassed by India later in the same year.
Annabel Sutherland was the standout performer with a commanding double century, scoring 210 runs off 256 balls, showcasing her power and finesse. Alyssa Healy narrowly missed out on a century, scoring 99 runs in a crucial partnership that steadied the innings after a shaky start. Beth Mooney also made a significant contribution with 78 runs, helping Australia recover from an early collapse to post their mammoth total. Australia’s commanding total was set up by a mixture of aggressive batting and resilient partnerships, eventually leading them to win the match by an innings and 284 runs.
3. Australia Women – 569/6 d vs England Women, Guildford 1998
The third highest team total in women’s Test cricket belongs to Australia, who scored 569/6 declared against England during the 1998 Ashes series at Guildford.
Joanne Broadbent was the hero of the innings, scoring a monumental 200 off 476 balls. Her double century was the first by an Australian woman in Test cricket and was instrumental in setting up the massive total. Mel Jones, on her debut, scored a brilliant 131, forming a critical partnership with Broadbent to propel the team to their record breaking total. Australia’s dominant performance was a testament to their batting depth and resilience, helping them set a then record in women’s Test cricket.
4 . Australia Women – 525 all out vs India Women, Ahmedabad 1984
In 1984, during a Test match against India at Ahmedabad, Australia posted 525 runs, a record at the time and still one of the highest totals in women’s Test history.
Jill Kennare, the captain, led from the front with a top score of 131. Peta Verco and Karen Price both scored centuries, with 105 and 104 respectively, showcasing the batting prowess of the Australian team. Their effort was enough to give Australia a commanding position in the match, which ended in a draw, demonstrating the strength and endurance of their batting lineup.
5. New Zealand Women – 517/8 vs England Women, Scarborough 1996
Rounding out the top five is New Zealand’s impressive total of 517/8 against England in Scarborough during 1996. This match saw a series of exceptional performances from the New Zealand batters.
Kirsty Bond made history with the first-ever double century in women’s Test cricket, scoring 204 runs and anchoring the New Zealand innings. Openers Shelley Fruin and Debbie Hockley laid a strong foundation with their half centuries, setting the stage for Bond’s historic innings. This performance highlighted New Zealand’s ability to compete at the highest level and their determination to push the boundaries of what was achievable in women’s Test cricket.
These top five highest team totals in women’s Test cricket not only showcase the incredible talent and resilience of women cricketers but also reflect the evolution of the game. With each record breaking performance, these teams have set new benchmarks and inspired future generations of players.
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FAQ
Who scored the first double century in women’s Test history?
Kirsty Bond of New Zealand, with 204 runs in 1996
