Southampton [UK], July 17 : Deepti Sharma delivered a match-winning performance in the 1st ODI against England Women, anchoring India’s four-wicket victory with a superb unbeaten 62*. The Indian all-rounder, who stitched a crucial 87-run partnership with Jemimah Rodrigues, credited her innovative one-handed six to inspiration from Rishabh Pant.
“I was waiting for an opportunity like this,” Deepti said during the post-match presentation. “I wanted to build a solid partnership with Jemimah and rotate the strike with 5-6 runs an over. The one-handed six—I practice those shots and picked it up watching Rishabh Pant.”
India’s chase of 259 got off to a good start with a 48-run opening stand between debutant Pratika Rawal and Smriti Mandhana. Despite a brief middle-order wobble, it was Deepti’s calm under pressure and clinical shot selection that ensured India crossed the line with 10 balls to spare. She was rightfully named Player of the Match for her record-setting innings—the highest score by an Indian woman at No. 6 or lower in a successful ODI chase, surpassing Veda Krishnamurthy’s 52*.
India now leads the three-match series 1-0, continuing a dominant run with 11 wins in their last 12 ODIs.
Earlier, England posted 258/6, thanks to strong contributions from Sophia Dunkley (83), Davidson Richards (53), and a late cameo by Sophie Ecclestone (23*). India’s bowlers Sneh Rana (2/31) and Kranti Goud (2/55) led a disciplined effort to restrict the hosts.
With depth in both batting and bowling, and players like Deepti Sharma rising to the occasion, Team India looks poised for another series win.
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