Deepti Sharma delivered a match-winning all-round performance to help India secure a clean sweep in the ODI series against West Indies. Her exceptional bowling and a composed unbeaten 39 not only helped India win the third ODI by 5 wickets.
A Match-Changing Spell with the Ball
It was Deepti’s spell with the ball that initially put India in the driver’s seat. The West Indies’ batting line-up crumbled under her relentless pressure, as she claimed an impressive 6 for 31. With the visitors struggling to get going, Deepti’s brilliant bowling ensured they were bowled out for just 162.
The early collapse of the West Indies was the beginning of the end for them. Renuka Singh set the tone with two quick wickets, dismissing Qiana Joseph and the in-form Hayley Matthews. From there, things spiralled out of control as Deandra Dottin fell cheaply, and West Indies were reduced to 9 for 3 in the fifth over.
Despite the early breakthroughs by the Indian bowlers, a brief 91-run partnership between Chinelle Henry and Shemaine Campbelle steadied the West Indies’ innings. Henry was particularly gritty, getting back to form after an early struggle, but Deepti was the one who had the final word. She dismissed both Henry and Campbelle to end the resistance.
Deepti’s Calm and Richa’s Spark
With India chasing 163, the pressure was on, and the chase began nervously. India lost Smriti Mandhana and Harleen Deol early, and then Pratika Rawal failed to make an impact. The stage was set for Deepti to take control, and she did just that.
She remained unbeaten on 39, keeping the innings steady despite being dropped on 21 by Hayley Matthews at slip. Deepti’s steady bat was complemented by Richa Ghosh, who arrived at the crease with India struggling at 129 for 5. Ghosh quickly turned the tide with an explosive 11-ball 23, including two sixes off legspinner Afy Fletcher, to steer India closer to victory.
“I was waiting for my time with the ball and wanted to contribute. Wanted to hit the right areas so I could take more wickets and give my team breakthroughs. I try to read what the batter is going to do, I usually get an idea of the ball before on what they are trying to do.”, Deepti said while reflecting on her performance.
Renuka’s Early Breakthroughs Set the Tone
Renuka Singh’s early breakthroughs set the tone for the match. She accounted for two early wickets, including the prized scalp of Hayley Matthews. I have put in a lot of hard work, and now feeling happy that I am getting rewarded for it. Performances in Australia were not great. So, I came back, talked to Jhulan (Goswami) di, and felt nice talking to her. We discussed (on what to do better) and I worked on that.”, Renuka said.
Her four-wicket haul was the perfect complement to Deepti’s all-round brilliance. The West Indies’ middle-order collapse was inevitable, with their last five wickets falling for just 21 runs, handing India a commanding win. Renuka took 10 wickets in the three games of the series and was awarded the Player of the Tournament as India went on to win the series 3-0.
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