In a commanding display at Edgbaston, India Women cruised to a 64-run victory over arch-rivals Pakistan Women in the 6th Match of Group 1 in the ICC Women's T20 World Cup on Sunday (June 14), and Deepti Sharma was at the heart of an excellent spell.
India posted 170/6 after opting to bat first, with Smriti Mandhana top-scoring with a brisk 68. Pakistan were then bundled out for 106 in 17 overs. The star of the match was all-rounder Deepti Sharma, who delivered a sensational 5/10 in 4 overs, earning Player of the Match honors.
A Match-Winning Spell and All-Round Brilliance
Deepti dismantled Pakistan's batting lineup with her variations in flight, pace, and turn on a helpful surface. Her victims included key batters Gull Feroza (12), Ayesha Zafar (12), Aliya Riaz (18), Tasmia Rubab (0), and Nashra
Sandhu (4). She wrapped up the innings with a three-wicket over in the 17th, finishing with career-best T20I figures.
Adding to her impact, Deepti effected a brilliant direct-hit run-out to dismiss the dangerous Muneeba Ali for 41, breaking a promising stand and accelerating Pakistan's collapse. Her economy of just 2.50 underscored complete control in the middle overs.
Records and Milestones: Deepti Enters the History Books
Deepti's heroics in this high-stakes rivalry clash added several notable entries to her already illustrious career:
- First T20I five-wicket haul: This was her maiden five-for in T20Is, making her the first Indian with multiple five-wicket hauls in the format.
- Leading Wicket-Taker in Women's T20Is: She solidified her position as the outright leader with 166 T20I wickets.
- Overall International Wickets Milestone: Moved closer to or crossed 350+ wickets across all international formats.
- Part of India's dominant spin attack that took 9 wickets in the match.
These feats build on Deepti's legacy: the first Indian woman to achieve 1,000 T20I runs and 100+ wickets, Player of the Tournament in the 2025 ODI World Cup, and a consistent performer in pressure situations.
Mandhana's explosive 68 (off 44 balls, with 9 fours and 2 sixes) and Richa Ghosh's quickfire 34* provided the platform. Shree Charani complemented Deepti with 3/21. Pakistan's chase never gained momentum despite Muneeba's 41 as they were bundled out for 107 runs.
