In a match marked by big names and bold strokes, Deepti Sharma quietly emerged as one of the driving forces behind India’s emphatic 102-run victory over Australia in the second Women’s ODI at Mullanpur. While much attention was rightly on Smriti Mandhana’s blazing century, it was Deepti who added layers of strength—both with the bat and the ball—that turned this contest into something lopsided in India’s favour.
Smriti Mandhana Sets the Stage, Deepti Sharma Adds Depth
India’s innings began with Smriti Mandhana setting the tone—an explosive century that put Australia under huge pressure. But what many didn’t notice immediately was how Deepti Sharma played a pivotal supporting role with the bat. She contributed a vital 40-run knock, stabilizing the middle order after early jostling. The runs may appear modest beside Mandhana’s 117, but Deepti’s mental composure and ability to score at key moments added crucial momentum and allowed India to build a firmer total than seemed possible at one point.
Her batting not only anchored the innings but also gave the later batters the confidence to go after the target. India eventually posted 292 runs, a substantial total in any women’s ODI, especially against a side like Australia.
With the Ball: Key Breakthroughs & Tight Lines
After helping India bat with some authority, Deepti returned with the ball and made sure the pressure continued. She bowled her full quota with impressive control, finishing with figures of 2 wickets for 24 runs in her 6-over spell.
Her dismissals were timely: she broke through Australia’s lower middle order when they looked to steady things. Her ability to mix up pace and flight troubled batters who were otherwise attacking but lacked patience. Her bowling spell denied Australia easy runs and prevented partnerships from forming at crucial junctures.
Australia’s Response: Fight, But Not Enough
Australia’s batting fight-back was led by Annabel Sutherland (45 off 42 balls) and Ellyse Perry (44 off 61), and for a brief window, it seemed like they might claw their way back. But India, buoyed by Deepti’s bowling and energetic fielding, struck back with regular wickets. The depth in India’s bowling—Kranti Goud, Deepti, and others—meant Australia never managed to regain momentum. Eventually, Australia were bowled out for 190, seven wickets down in the final overs sealing an emphatic 102-run win for India.
What Deepti’s Performance Signifies
- Balance and versatility: Deepti’s all-round display underlines her importance. She can stabilize innings and also break them open with the ball.
- Mental strength in pressure moments: With Australia known for chasing targets under pressure, Deepti’s tight overs at key moments helped choke the chase.
- Team depth: India’s ability to produce multiple match-winning acts beyond just the star batters shows they are increasingly well-rounded—this will bode well for upcoming tournaments.
Final Thoughts: Historic Win, Inspiring Roles
India’s win by the match 102 runs was historic—it was the largest margin of victory in a women’s ODI against Australia, and a statement of intent as the World Cup looms. While Smriti Mandhana rightly earned headlines for her blazing ton, Deepti Sharma’s all-round performance was one of the quiet but deeply impactful reasons behind the win.
Australia might look back at this match and see starting opportunities they let slip. India, meanwhile, should be buoyed—not just by the result, but by performances like Deepti’s that build belief and spread responsibility across the team. India will hope she continues in this vein: composed with the bat, clever with the ball, and solid in the field.