Deepti Sharma produced a match-winning all-round performance to help India secure a clean sweep in the ODI series against the West Indies. Her incredible bowling and unbeaten 39 not only helped INDIA win the 3rd ODI by 5 runs.
A game-changing spell with the ball
It was Deepti's magic with the ball that initially put India in the driver's seat. The West Indies batting line-up crumbled under her relentless pressure as she claimed an impressive 6 for 31. With the visitors struggling to keep up, Deepti's brilliant bowling ensured they were bowled out for just 162.
The early decline of West Indies it was the beginning of the end for them. Renuka Singh set the tone with two quick wickets, dismissing the in-form Qiana Joseph Hayley Matthews. From there, things got out of hand as Deandra Dottin fell cheaply, and West Indies were reduced to 9 for 3 in the fifth over.
Despite early advances by the Indian bowlers, a brief 91-run partnership between Chinelle Henry and Shemaine Campbelle secured the West Indies' innings. Henry was particularly tough, returning to form after an early struggle, but it was Deepti who had the final say. She dismissed Henry and Campbelle to end the resistance.
Deepti's calmness and Richa's spark
With India chasing 163, the pressure was on and the chase began nervously. India lost Smriti Mandhana and Harleen Deol early on, and then Pratika Rawal failed to make an impact. The stage was set for Deepti to take control and she did just that.
She remained unbeaten on 39, keeping the innings steady despite being dropped for 21 by Hayley Matthews at fault. Deepti's steady batting was complemented by Richa Ghosh, who arrived at the crease with India struggling at 129 for 5. Ghosh quickly turned the tide with an explosive 11-ball 23, including two sixes off leg-spinner Afy Fletcher, to steer India closer to victory.
“I was waiting for my time with the ball and I wanted to contribute. I wanted to hit the right areas so I could get more wickets and give my team breakthroughs. I try to read what the shot is going to do, usually before I get an idea of the ball what they are trying to do,” Deepti said reflecting on her performance.
Renuka's early revelations set the tone
Renuka Singh's early breakthroughs set the tone for the match. She accounted for two early wickets, including the precious header of Hayley Matthews. I have put in a lot of work and now I feel happy that I am being rewarded for it. Performances in Australia were not great. So, I came back, spoke to Jhulan (Goswami) di and felt good talking to him. We discussed (what to do better) and I worked on it”, said Renuka.
Her four-door dash was the perfect complement to Deepti's all-round brilliance. The collapse of the West Indies middle order was inevitable, with their last five wickets falling for just 21 runs, handing India a commanding victory. Renuka took 10 wickets in the three matches of the series and was adjudged Player of the Tournament as India went on to win the series 3-0.
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