In the thrilling world of cricket, the name Deepti Sharma is quickly becoming synonymous with all-round excellence. The 26-year-old Indian cricket sensation has earned a new moniker – “the Ben Stokes of the India team” – thanks to her remarkable performance in the recent one-off Test against England in Mumbai.
Deepti Sharma, playing in her third Test match, was nothing short of spectacular. On day three of the Test, she took an astonishing four wickets, contributing significantly to England’s downfall as they were bowled out for a mere 131 runs in a single session. This crushing defeat left the English team reeling with a staggering 347-run margin.
Deepti’s exceptional bowling performance gave her match figures of 9-39, a feat that any cricketer, let alone an all-rounder, would be proud of. However, her brilliance was not limited to the bowling department alone. In India’s first innings, she displayed her batting prowess with a crucial 67 runs, helping her team reach a total of 428.
Coach Amol Muzumdar couldn’t help but praise his star player, saying, “She is fantastic. The confidence she showed in her batting and also the confidence gained from these two [bowling] innings, it is amazing. I jokingly call her the Ben Stokes of the team.”
Deepti’s journey to stardom began with her composed innings on day one, where she guided India beyond the 400-run mark, displaying calmness under pressure. She found the boundary ropes 10 times and even sent one sailing over them with a six.
In England’s reply, Deepti Sharma showcased her bowling prowess, sending down 33 deliveries that included four maidens, five wickets, and a meager seven runs conceded. Her brilliant performance rattled the English side, reducing them from 79-2 to a paltry 136 all out.
On day three, it was Pooja Vastrakar who initiated England’s downfall with her impressive bowling figures of 3-23, including consecutive dismissals of Sophia Dunkley and Nat Sciver-Brunt. However, Deepti Sharma continued to haunt the English batswomen, claiming the crucial wickets of Danni Wyatt and Amy Jones before dismissing Kate Cross and Lauren Filer. Her match bowling figures of 9-39 were the second-best by an Indian in a Test, only behind Jhulan Goswami’s legendary 10-78 against England in 2006.
Coach Muzumdar emphasized Deepti’s importance, stating, “She is an important cog in the wheel when she comes in the lower order and also bowls those crucial overs and gets us wickets. It is very important to get her confidence in this Test. I am sure she will put in extra effort in the next one as well.”
England’s off-spinner Charlie Dean also played a significant role, taking 4-68 on day two on a pitch that offered turn, making spinners the most threatening bowlers for both teams.
The victory was a historic one for India, marking their first Test win against England at home and their first Test victory against any side in three attempts, following two consecutive draws. Their next challenge lies ahead as they prepare to face the mighty Australian team at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai. Captain Harmanpreet Kaur expressed her elation, saying, “Everything went according to our plan. Credit goes to every member of our team. It was such a good feeling after winning the game.”
Deepti Sharma’s remarkable performance has not only secured her a special place in the hearts of cricket enthusiasts but has also firmly established her as the Indian equivalent of the versatile and charismatic Ben Stokes, a title that she will undoubtedly carry with pride into future matches.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Deepti Sharma Cricket Performance
Who is Deepti Sharma and what did she achieve in the Mumbai Test against England?
Deepti Sharma is a prominent Indian cricketer known for her all-round abilities. In the Mumbai Test against England, she starred with both bat and ball, taking nine wickets and scoring 67 runs in India’s first innings.
Why was Deepti Sharma compared to Ben Stokes by her coach?
Deepti Sharma’s exceptional performance in the Mumbai Test, where she played a crucial role with both batting and bowling, earned her the nickname “the Ben Stokes of the India team” from her coach, Amol Muzumdar. This comparison highlights her versatility and impact on the game, similar to the renowned English all-rounder Ben Stokes.
How did Deepti Sharma contribute to India’s victory in the Mumbai Test?
Deepti Sharma played a pivotal role in India’s victory by taking four wickets in England’s second innings, helping to bowl them out for just 131 runs. She also scored a vital 67 runs in India’s first innings, contributing to a total of 428. Her all-round performance was instrumental in India’s 347-run win.
What records did Deepti Sharma set during the Mumbai Test?
Deepti Sharma’s match figures of 9-39 in the Mumbai Test were the second-best by an Indian bowler in a Test match, second only to Jhulan Goswami’s legendary 10-78 against England in 2006. This achievement solidifies her place in cricket history.
What are the future prospects for Deepti Sharma and the Indian cricket team?
Deepti Sharma’s outstanding performance in the Mumbai Test has elevated her status in Indian cricket. The Indian team’s historic win against England at home marks a turning point, and they now face the challenging task of competing against Australia in their upcoming Test match. Deepti’s form and all-round abilities will be crucial in their pursuit of success in future matches.
More about Deepti Sharma Cricket Performance
- Deepti Sharma’s Profile
- India’s Historic Test Win Against England
- Jhulan Goswami’s Record-Breaking Performance
- Indian Cricket Team’s Upcoming Matches
- Ben Stokes – England’s All-Rounder
