Deepti Sharma Shines in Historic T20 World Cup Opener Against Pakistan

Deepti Sharma's Record-Breaking Performance

In a remarkable display during the ICC T20 World Cup opener against Pakistan, all-rounder Deepti Sharma made history by becoming the leading wicket-taker in women's T20 internationals. She also became the third Indian woman to achieve a five-wicket haul in the history of the Women's T20 World Cup.

While defending a target of 171 runs, Deepti delivered an outstanding performance, claiming 5 wickets for just 10 runs in her four overs, leading to Pakistan's collapse from a promising 38/0 to a total of 106 all out.

This achievement marks the third five-wicket haul by an Indian in a Women's T20 World Cup match, following Priyanka Roy's performance against Pakistan in 2009 and Renuka Thakur's 5/15 against England in 2023.

Deepti has now surpassed Thipatcha Putthawong of Thailand to become the highest wicket-taker in women's T20Is, amassing 166 wickets in 145 matches at an impressive average of 19.42. Her record includes two five-wicket hauls and a best performance of 5/10. She is the first Indian woman to have multiple five-wicket hauls in T20 internationals.

Additionally, Deepti has reached a milestone of 350 international wickets, with a total of 354, which includes 22 wickets in six Tests and 166 in 124 ODIs.

Spinner Shree Charani also had a notable outing, taking 3 wickets for 21 runs, marking the third-best debut performance by an Indian in T20 World Cup history, following Dayalan Hemalatha and Diana David.

Indian vice-captain Smriti Mandhana contributed significantly with a brilliant 68 runs off 44 balls, surpassing her captain Harmanpreet Kaur for the most sixes by an Indian in women's T20Is, now holding 87 sixes compared to Harmanpreet's 86.

In the match, India chose to bat first but faced early setbacks, finding themselves at 18/2. However, a strong partnership of 91 runs between Mandhana and Harmanpreet helped stabilize the innings, leading to a total of 170/6 in 20 overs, thanks to a late surge from Richa Ghosh.

On the bowling front, Sadia Iqbal and Fatima Sana each took two wickets for Pakistan.

Pakistan began their chase with a decent opening stand but quickly fell apart against the Indian bowlers, ending their innings at 106 runs in 17 overs. Muneeba Ali was the only player to score above 20 runs.

Deepti's exceptional bowling earned her the 'Player of the Match' award.