VADODARA: Allrounder Deepti Sharma delivered an outstanding performance as she guided India Women to victory over West Indies Women, ensuring the Women in Blue completed a clean sweep of the ODI series with a 3-0 scoreline. The final match, held at Kotambi Stadium, saw India chase down West Indies’ modest total of 162 runs.
On December 27, 2024, West Indies elected to bat first after winning the toss. Their innings got off to a rocky start, with captain Hayley Matthews falling early to Renuka Singh’s superb bowling. Despite some resistance from Chinelle Henry, who scored 61 runs off 72 balls, and Shemaine Campbelle with 46 runs, the West Indies crumbled under pressure and were bowled out for 162.
Deepti Sharma emerged as the star of the match, claiming impressive bowling figures of 6 wickets for just 31 runs over her 10 overs. Her deadly accuracy dismantled the West Indies middle and lower order, ensuring they never fully recovered from their shaky start.
Coming out to bat, India faced challenges right away as they lost openers Smriti Mandhana and Harleen Deol cheaply. Captain Harmanpreet Kaur, who contributed 32 runs, steadied the innings before Deepti partnered with Jemimah Rodrigues, adding 56 runs for the fifth wicket. Their significant contribution proved pivotal as India reached 167 for 5, sealing the victory with 12 overs to spare.
Deepti Sharma finished with 39 not out off 48 balls, showcasing her ability to perform under pressure. Her impressive all-round display not only earned her the Player of the Match award but also made her the Player of the Series for her outstanding contributions throughout the three-match series.
After the match, Deepti attributed her success to rigorous practice. "I have been doing a lot of hard work. My focus is to take as many wickets as possible and make as many runs as possible for the team. That has always backed me," she explained to the media, emphasizing the importance of her discussions with the bowling coach, Avishkar Salvi.
Reflecting on the team's recent turnaround after their disappointment during the Australia tour, she stated, "The experience of playing overseas definitely matters, but one special aspect of this Indian team is whether we win or lose, we stay together. We go through those ups and downs as a team and we always back each other." Her commitment to her role as allrounder highlights her dedication and the positive spirit within the team.
Deepti also expressed satisfaction with the team's performance, noting, "When you win 3-0, there is always a good feeling." This series win against the West Indies not only reaffirms their strength but also sets high hopes for the upcoming matches, including the next ODI series against Ireland Women beginning on January 10, 2025, in Rajkot.
This clean sweep serves as both motivation and proof of the depth and talent present within the Indian women's cricket team, particularly highlighted by Deepti's exceptional all-round capabilities.
