Kolkata club East Bengal has announced to felicitate India Women cricketers Deepti Sharma and Richa Ghosh after their outstanding performances in the World Cup.
India paved a new chapter as the women's
team won their maiden World Cup title. They beat South Africa by 52 runs to end their wait for the silverware.
Deepti Sharma was the Player of the Tournament, delivering an exceptional all-round performance. She scored 215 runs with three half-centuries at crucial moments and took 22 wickets in nine innings. In the final against South Africa, she scored a vital 58 runs and produced a match-winning bowling spell of 5/39, including dismissing captain Laura Wolvaardt and sealing India's win. Deepti's composure and skill under pressure were instrumental throughout the tournament, helping India defend their total and clinch the crown.
Richa Ghosh was India's powerful wicketkeeper-batter who brought fire to the lineup. She scored 235 runs at an impressive strike rate of 133.52, hitting 12 sixes, the most in the tournament. Her standout innings came against South Africa, when she scored an aggressive 94, nearly becoming the first Indian women's wicketkeeper to score a century in a World Cup. Apart from that, Richa played a crucial knock in the final as well, while her glovework behind the stumps was immense.
East Bengal is expected to bestow the women as per their mutually convenient time, as the exact date is yet to be confirmed.
East Bengal club president Murali Lal Lohia wrote letters to both players after their astounding performances.
"Your long and distinguished association with Bengal stands as a testament to your deep roots and your commitment to nurturing Bengal's sporting legacy," Lohia wrote to Deepti. He also praised Richa for her inspirational role, which may play a key part in enhancing the enthusiasm among Bengali girls.
Both Deepti and Richa represent Bengal in domestic cricket. Although the former hails from Agra, she has played for Bengal in recent years. Richa hails from Siliguri and has become the first Bengali to win a World Cup in either men's or women's cricket.
