IND-W vs ENG-W, One-off Test: Deepti Sharma brilliant fifer dismantles England lineup on Day 2
All-rounder Deepti Sharma showcased her exceptional cricket prowess in the ongoing one-off Test against England at the D.Y. Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai. In a remarkable display of both batting and bowling skills, she became only the second Indian woman to achieve the feat of scoring fifty runs and taking five wickets in a Test match innings.
Deepti Sharma becomes only 2nd Indian to score 50 and take five wickets
India, having won the toss and elected to bat, posted a commanding total of 429 runs in the first innings. Key contributions came from top-order batters Shubha Satheesh, Jemimah Rodrigues, and Yastika Bhatia, who scored 69, 68, and 66 runs respectively. Deepti continued the onslaught with a valuable 67 runs. Despite efforts from England’s Lauren Bell and Sophie Ecclestone, who took three wickets each, India established a substantial lead.
However, it was Deepti’s all-round brilliance that stole the limelight. She not only made a significant contribution with the bat but also wreaked havoc in England’s batting lineup during their first innings on Day 2. England was bundled out for a mere 136 runs in just 35.3 overs, primarily due to Deepti’s exceptional bowling figures of 5/7. This achievement placed her in elite company, with Shubhangi Kulkarni being the only other Indian woman to achieve a similar milestone in 1985 against New Zealand.
Deepti’s historical performance is further underscored by her economical spell, conceding only seven runs while securing five wickets. This makes her achievement the third fewest runs conceded to achieve a 5-for in Women’s Tests.
With England trailing by a significant margin, India now holds a commanding position to pursue a comprehensive victory in the one-off Test. The team aims to capitalize on their substantial lead, putting the visitors on the back foot and asserting their dominance. The significance of Deepti’s performance is reminiscent of the only other instance in 1985 when an Indian player, Shubangi Kulkarni, achieved a similar feat by scoring 79 with the bat and picking 6/99 in a drawn match against New Zealand.
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