Neelam Bhardwaj Smashes Record to Become the Youngest Woman to Score a Double Century in List A Cricket
In an extraordinary feat, 18-year-old Neelam Bhardwaj from Uttarakhand has etched her name in the record books by becoming the youngest woman to score a double century in a List A match. Bhardwaj’s remarkable innings of 202* off 137 balls not only secured her place in cricketing history but also led her team to a dominant 259-run victory over Nagaland in the ongoing Senior Women's One Day Trophy 2024-25.A Masterclass in BattingBhardwaj’s scintillating knock was nothing short of spectacular. She displayed exceptional poise, timing, and an innate ability to accelerate when required. Her innings included 27 boundaries and 2 sixes, helping Uttarakhand post an imposing total of 371/2 in their allotted 50 overs. Bhardwaj's performance was a display of both technical finesse and explosive power, qualities that are becoming increasingly vital in modern-day limited-overs cricket.As the youngest woman to reach this landmark in List A cricket, Bhardwaj has firmly positioned herself among an elite group of Indian women cricketers who have achieved the rare double century feat. This achievement is even more remarkable considering that she accomplished it at such a young age, making her a player to watch in the coming years.Source: Google ImagesUttarakhand’s DominanceBhardwaj's record-breaking knock was supported by a dominant bowling display from Uttarakhand. The bowlers applied relentless pressure on Nagaland, causing their chase to fall apart. Nagaland's batting lineup was dismantled for just 112 runs. This handed Uttarakhand a commanding 259-run victory.Ekta Bisht, the veteran Indian bowler and Uttarakhand captain, led the charge with the ball, claiming a stunning five-wicket haul. She maintained an economy rate of 1.40, ensuring that Nagaland never gained any momentum. Bisht’s leadership, combined with Bhardwaj’s brilliance with the bat, sealed a dominant win for Uttarakhand.Bhardwaj’s double century adds to the growing list of remarkable achievements by young Indian women cricketers. Earlier this year, Shweta Sehrawat made history by becoming the first Indian woman to score a double century in a List A match. Sehrawat blasted a 150-ball 242 for Delhi against Nagaland in the 2023-24 edition of the tournament. Interestingly, this was the same opponent Bhardwaj faced when she achieved her historic milestone.Joining an Elite Group of Indian Women CricketersNeelam Bhardwaj now joins a select group of women cricketers who have reached the double century mark in List A cricket, including national stars like Smriti Mandhana and Mithali Raj. Mandhana’s unbeaten 224 for Maharashtra U-19 against Gujarat U-19 in 2013-14, and Raj’s 214 against England in 2002, remain great moments in Indian women’s cricket history. Bhardwaj’s feat, however, stands out for the young age at which she achieved it.The 18-year-old Uttarakhand batter's stellar performance has placed her on the radar of selectors, and her remarkable feat promises a bright future ahead. With such talent at such a young age, Neelam Bhardwaj has the potential to become one of the cornerstones of Indian women’s cricket in the years to come.
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