Credits: BCCI/X
On Friday, December 27, India women registered a clean sweep against West Indies, owing to the heroics of Deepti Sharma and Renuka Singh Thakur. The star all-rounder and fast bowler played crucial roles to guide the side to a five-wicket win against the Caribbean counterparts at Vadodara’s Kotambi Stadium. Earlier in the game, West Indies skipper Hayley Matthews won the toss and invited the rivals to field first. The guests got off to a horrid start as both openers were forced to walk back on golden and two-ball ducks.
Renuka went all guns blazing, and a few overs after she forced the Windies openers to walk back, Singh trapped seasoned Deandra Dottin for five runs as the guests found themselves reeling on 9 for 3. Shemaine Campbelle, who walked out to bat at number three put on solid 46 off 62 balls. She also built a 91-run partnership with Chinelle Henry, to take the side beyond the three-figure mark. Following it, Deepti Sharma unleashed mayhem, as she picked six wickets in 10-over spell while conceding just 31 runs.
West Indies were bundled out for 162 in 38.5 overs, and in their run chase, Indian batter’s collective efforts helped them chase down the total in just 28.2 overs.
Renuka Singh, Deepti Sharma’s historic spells in third ODI against West Indies
During the game, Renuka Singh and Deepti Sharma came up with historic spells and joined an elite list of Indian women cricketers. When Singh dismissed Qiana Joseph on the first ball of the innings, she became the third Indian woman to pick a wicket on the first ball of the innings in an ODI game. With this, she joined the likes of Amita Sharma and Jhulan Goswami. Amita picked a wicket on the first ball during the ODI match against New Zealand in 2003, whereas Jhulan achieved the feat in 2017 and 2019 against South Africa. Renuka was adjudged Player of the Series Award.
On the other hand, Deepti Sharma also scripted history as she became the first Indian female bowler to scalp multiple five-for in ODI format. Not only this, but she is only the second female cricketer after South Africa’s Sune Luus to bag multiple five-for. Not only this, but Sharma also played anchor role for India as she remained unbeaten till the end to score 39* from 48 balls, and earning a ‘Player of the Match’ Award for herself.
