India set highest-ever total in women's Test cricket

Chennai: India recorded the highest team total in women's Test cricket, amassing 603/6 declared on day two of the one-off match against South Africa here on Saturday.

Australia held the previous record for the highest total -- 575/9 declared -- which they posted against South Africa in Perth this February.

India surpassed that mark when Richa Ghosh hammered a four off the first ball of the 109th over bowled by Annerie Dercksen.

Eventually, India declared on 603/6 in 115.1 over following the dismissal of Ghosh for 86.

Much of the credit for the feat goes to Indian openers -- Shafali Verma (205) and Smriti Mandhana (149) -- who shared a stand of 292 -- the highest opening partnership in women's cricket.

India were also well served by Jemimah Rodrigues (55) and skipper Harmanpreet Kaur (69).

Half-centuries by Marizanne Kapp and Sune Luus helped South Africa reach 236/4 in their first innings at the end of the second day's play.

Kapp remained unbeaten on 69 (125b, 8x4s) and she received good support from Luus (65, 164b, 6x4s, 1x6).

However, SA still trail India by 367 runs.

On Day 1, India had finished on 525/4, having posted the highest-ever single-day total in a Test match. They broke the previous record held by the Sri Lankan men's team -- 509 for nine -- against Bangladesh in Colombo in 2002.