Credits: BCCI/X
Indian star all-rounder Deepti Sharma pulled off a stunning reflexive catch to dismiss Isabella Gaze in the third ODI against New Zealand. After levelling the three-match series 1-1, India and newly-crowned T20 World Champions New Zealand clashed against each other in the third and final match on Tuesday, October 29. In the game that took place at the Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad, New Zealand skipper Sophie Devine won the toss and invited the rivals to field first.
In the 39th over of the game, Deepti delivered a full toss which seemingly put Gaze in a spot of confusion where the batter couldn’t figure out how to hit it. Gaze ended up getting a leading edge and Deepti took a few steps towards her left before completing a sleek catch. The Kiwi batter was forced to walk back off 25 runs for 49 balls. Not only this, but the Indian bowler eventually finished with the figures of 3/39 in 10 overs.
Deepti Sharma on verge of becoming World No. 1 ODI bowler
Indian all-rounder Deepti Sharma attained career high rating of 687 points in the ICC ODI bowling rankings. Sharma surpassed Kate Cross and Megan Schutt to the second spot in the ICC ODI rankings for bowlers in women’s cricket. She is only behind Sophie Ecclestone who is on the top with a massive 83 rating points. Not only this, but Sharma is also at number 3 in T20I rankings behind Ecclestone and Sadia Iqbal.
After the match, Sharma said, “I enjoy myself on the field and that’s what takes the pressure off me. Try to keep it simple. Just wanted to believe in myself, such matches happen so was just thinking about how I can contribute. Had faith in myself and was able to do even better today. Wicket was such that it was skidding nicely sometimes, as a bowler you had to vary pace. Needed to consider how the batters were playing as well, varied my pace accordingly. Mindset will be the same, would like to do even better in future matches.”
