After a disappointing Women’s T20 World Cup, India Women started the WODI series against New Zealand Women strongly. In the chase, India Women brilliantly dismissed the New Zealand Women skipper Sophie Devine as Deepti Sharma and wicketkeeper Yastika Bhatia jointly worked impressively to create a bizarre run out. 

Smriti Mandhana led India team

In the absence of captain Harmanpreet Kaur, Smriti Mandhana led the Indian women’s team in the first game of the three-match WODI series. After Mandhana won the toss at Ahmedabad, she chose to bat first. India Women scored 227 runs before losing all wickets in 44.3 overs.

In reply, the debutant and right-arm pacer Saima Thakor dismissed the opener Suzie Bates (1) in her first over.    

After dismissing the opener and in-form Georgia Plimmer (25) in the last over of the first powerplay, Deepti Sharma stunned with a brilliant run out in her next over. 

Sophie Devine's bizarre run out

Captain Sophie Devine just came to the crease, who is known to play brilliantly against the spinners. It was the 12th over of the second innings when the visitors were approaching towards the 50 runs. 

On the final ball of the 12th over, Devine played a defensive shot as the ball travelled toward the bowler. Observing the White Ferns skipper was outside the crease, first Sharma waited and then rightly threw the ball towards the keeper Bhatia, who quickly took off the bails. Although Devine was aware of the situation, she wasn’t careful enough. Devine’s foot was on the line, and when her foot crossed the crease, it was too late for her.

Sharp presence of mind produces a big wicket!👌👌

New Zealand lose their third in the chase as Sophie Devine is run-out.

Live - https://t.co/VGGT7lSS13#TeamIndia | #INDvNZ | @IDFCFIRSTBank pic.twitter.com/gvANXADVkA

— BCCI Women (@BCCIWomen) October 24, 2024

It was a huge wicket for the Indian team as the White Ferns were suddenly struggling at 46/3. 

Devine is the fourth leading run-scorer for New Zealand Women in the WODI format. In 148 WODIs, the right-handed batter scored 3862 runs with an average of 31.65, including eight centuries and 15 half-centuries. 

India's all-rounder Deepti Sharma expressed her motivation drawn from the Indian men's team's T20 World Cup victory as she prepares for the women’s team's participation in their own World Cup campaign. Despite the high expectations, Deepti emphasizes that the team is not under pressure but is determined to perform their best and break the knockout stage jinx that has haunted them in previous tournaments.

Motivated by India Men’s T20 World Cup victory

The Indian men's cricket team ended an 11-year drought for an ICC trophy by winning the 2024 T20 World Cup in Barbados. This triumph has given a morale boost to the women's team as they head into their own World Cup journey. Deepti Sharma revealed that watching the men's team lift the coveted trophy has been a source of inspiration for her.

"I wouldn’t say pressure, but personally, I’m motivated by the men’s World Cup win,” Deepti told ESPNcricinfo. “We’ve been performing well in every series and tournament, and I believe we will do our best.” She added that winning such a prestigious tournament could not only enhance their careers but also elevate the status of women's cricket in India.

Indian Women’s team aims for maiden World Cup title

The Indian women’s cricket team has come agonizingly close to World Cup glory in recent years but has repeatedly fallen short. In 2020, they lost the T20 World Cup final to Australia at the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground. In 2023, their hopes were dashed once again by Australia, this time in the semi-final of the Women’s T20 World Cup in South Africa.

Deepti reflected on the landmark moment for women's cricket in India when the team, led by Mithali Raj, reached the final of the 2017 ODI World Cup at Lord’s. "Everything changed after 2017,” Deepti said. “That was when people started recognizing me as Deepti Sharma, and it’s great to see the growing fanbase for women’s cricket.”

Despite the setbacks, Deepti remains optimistic. "The World Cup brings confidence, and if we win this time, it will change a lot for women’s cricket. Every young girl watching us will feel motivated to take up the sport."

Deepti also acknowledged the impact of winning a major title, saying that it would not only inspire the next generation of cricketers but also create lasting changes for the women's game in India. “If we win, it would change everything,” she added, emphasizing the influence their performances could have on young girls aspiring to play cricket.

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With the World Cup around the corner, Deepti and the Indian women’s team will look to draw strength from past experiences and the men's team’s recent success. They aim to make their own history and finally lift their first-ever ICC Women’s World Cup.

The women's team’s quest for their maiden World Cup title continues, and with Deepti's motivation and belief, the team hopes to end their knockout stage heartbreaks and bring the trophy home.

The women's Indian Cricket team would be one of the major contenders for the 2024 Women's T20 World Cup in the UAE. With an optimum mix of experienced and emerging players, the team can strive their way to their first-ever title in the short-format tournament.

With the team reaching the finals twice and their 2022 run ending in the group stage, the side under the captaincy of Harmanpreet Kaur and her deputy, Smriti Mandhana, would be eager to turn the tables. That said, here's the list of the three players to check out from the Indian side for the upcoming 2024 T20 World Cup, in addition of the announced full squad and its probable XI.

Announced Women's India 2024 T20 World Cup Full Squad: 

Harmanpreet Kaur (Captain), Smriti Mandhana (Vice-Captain), Shafali Verma, Deepti Sharma, Jemimah Rodrigues, Richa Ghosh (Wicketkeeper), Yastika Bhatia* (Wicketkeeper), Pooja Vastrakar, Arundhati Reddy, Renuka Singh Thakur, Dayalan Hemalatha, Asha Sobhana, Radha Yadav, Shreyanka Patil*, Sajana Sajeevan

*subject to fitness clearance

India's Probable XI:

1. Smriti Mandhana (Vice-Captain)
2. Shafali Verma
3. Yastika Bhatia
4. Harmanpreet Kaur (Captain)
5. Jemimah Rodrigues
6. Richa Ghosh (Wicketkeeper)
7. Deepti Sharma
8. Pooja Vastrakar
9. Shreyanka Patil
10. Asha Joy
11. Renuka Singh Thakur

Also Read: 2024 Women's T20 World Cup: Top 3 players to check out from the women's New Zealand squad

Top-3 player to check out from India in the 2024 Women's T20 World Cup:

Harmanpreet Kaur

Captain Harmanpreet Kaur is widely recognised as one of the top players in the world. When you consider some of the most crucial events in Indian women's cricket, she is almost certainly involved. She has subsequently become a well-known cricketer with an impressive international record. She has scored over 3,000 runs and taken 32 wickets in international T20 matches, notably a show-stopping effort against Australia in which she scored 46 runs from 31 balls to secure India's highest-ever run chase.

In 2019, Kaur became the first Indian cricketer to make over 100 international T20 appearances for her country, showcasing her effect on the game. The all-rounder will want to lead India to a more successful run.

Smriti Mandhana

Smriti Mandhana, one of the most reliable Indian openers in the game, instils dread in any bowling attack. After smashing ceiling after ceiling, she is now one of the top names on the list of tournament coaches worldwide. In addition to her widespread recognition in the WPL after winning the maiden title for the Royal Challengers Bengaluru, she has gained popularity in other cash-rich international events like the WBBL and The Hundred.

She has demonstrated her ability to perform under the most challenging situations. Seeing her as one of the tournament's leading run scorers will be no surprise. In 141 T20I appearances, she has scored 3493 runs, including 26 half-centuries, at an average of 30. 

Deepti Sharma

Deepti Sharma, who ranked third in the ICC WT20 all-rounder rankings, has emerged as a pivotal player for India in recent years in both bat and ball. Her efforts in the most recent World Cup in South Africa earned the 27-year-old a spot in the ICC Team of the Year 2023.

After changing her bowling approach halfway through her career, Sharma became the first Indian cricketer to take 100 IT20 wickets in 2018 and has since gone from strength to strength in competitions worldwide. In her humongous stint of 117 matches, she has scalped 131 wickets at an economy of 5.97 and made over 1000 runs, signifying her all-rounder persona. 

Seven years ago, on July 20, Harmanpreet Kaur took the cricket world by storm with her incredible performance against Australia in the ICC Women’s ODI World Cup 2017 semi-final. India Women won the toss and chose to bat first, but rain had reduced the game to 42 overs.

Despite this, India struggled early on, losing Smriti Mandhana and Punam Raut within 10 overs. Captain Mithali Raj (36) then teamed up with Harmanpreet Kaur for a crucial 66-run partnership. Raj was out when India was at 101-3 after 25 overs.

Harmanpreet reached her fifty in 64 balls and then accelerated, scoring the next 50 runs in just 26 balls. She ended up with a stunning 171 not out off 115 balls, smashing 20 boundaries and seven sixes, helping India set a total of 281.

Australia fought back with strong performances from Elyse Villani (75) and Alex Blackwell (90), but they fell short by 36 runs. Deepti Sharma took three wickets for India.

Despite losing to England by nine runs in the final, Harmanpreet Kaur’s innings had a lasting impact on Indian cricket. Here’s how:

Boost in popularity and viewership

Harmanpreet Kaur’s historic knock led to a surge in interest and viewership for women’s cricket. The World Cup final between India Women and England Women on July 23, 2017, saw record-breaking ratings of 19.533 million impressions in India. The match and Harmanpreet’s innings helped elevate the profile of women’s cricket. The Indian team also reached the 2020 T20 World Cup final, with a remarkable 5.4 billion viewing minutes recorded across India.

Increased media coverage and player recognition

Harmanpreet Kaur’s innings led to better media coverage of women’s cricket. Journalists and media outlets began focusing more on women’s matches, including player performances, team strategies, and match analysis. This increased visibility helped spotlight exceptional performances and raise the profile of women’s cricket. The launch of the Women’s Premier League in 2023 has also provided more opportunities for players to showcase their skills and gain recognition.

Equal pay for Men and Women cricketers

In October 2022, the BCCI announced equal pay for all centrally contracted men’s and women’s cricketers. This decision marked a significant step towards gender equality in Indian cricket.

On July 20, 2024, the Indian team continued their journey in the Women’s Asia Cup, securing a seven-wicket victory against Pakistan in their first match.

Skipper Harmanpreet Kaur and Radha Yadav have advanced in the ICC Women’s rankings just before the crucial Asia Cup, which starts on July 19 in Sri Lanka.

Radha Yadav jumped 8 places to reach No.15 in the ICC rankings for T20I bowlers. The left-arm spinner made this leap after an amazing series against South Africa, where she took 6 wickets in 3 matches with an economy rate of 7.70. Her best performance was in the third and final T20I on July 9 at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai, where she had figures of 3-1-6-3.

Deepti Sharma: India’s top T20I bowler

Deepti Sharma is still India’s top-ranked T20I bowler, ranking just below England’s Sophie Ecclestone and Sarah Glenn. In the T20I batting rankings, Indian skipper Harmanpreet Kaur moved up 3 places to No.12. Harmanpreet had only one chance to bat in the T20I series against South Africa, where she scored 35 runs off 29 balls.

Smriti Mandhana is India’s top ranked T20I batter, sitting at fifth place behind Beth Mooney, Tahlia McGrath, Hayley Matthews, and Laura Wolvaardt. Mandhana was the second highest run scorer in the T20I series with 100 runs from 3 matches at an average of 100. She also scored a match winning 54 in the last match of the series.

Sarah Glenn’s spectacular performance for England

Sarah Glenn has reached a career high rating, intensifying the competition at the top of the ICC Women’s T20I Bowler Rankings. Glenn’s stellar performance in England’s ongoing T20I series against New Zealand has been remarkable.

Through 4 matches, she has taken 8 wickets. This impressive feat has solidified her position as the No.2 ranked T20I bowler globally and allowed her to achieve a new career-best rating of 768 points.

The Test match between India Women and South Africa Women at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai was nothing short of a thriller. This match showcased the determination and resilience of both teams, with standout performances that will be remembered for years to come.

Day 1 Highlights

India dominated the opening day with early breakthroughs, putting South Africa on the back foot. The Indian bowlers were relentless, making the most of the pitch conditions and testing the South African batters with every delivery.

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Day 2 Struggles

South Africa showed resilience on the second day, with key performances from their top-order batters. The partnership between Luus and Wolvaardt started to build, providing the stability that South Africa desperately needed. South Africa showed great fight to reach 236 for 4 on the second day of the one-off Test in Chennai after India declared their first innings at a record 603 for 6.

Day 3 Turning Point

Day 3 was a turning point in the match. India managed to rattle the remaining six wickets in the first hour, giving them a significant advantage. However, South Africa’s Luus and Wolvaardt had other plans, putting up a strong resistance and not offering many chances to the Indian team.

The pitch at Chepauk offered variable bounce and turn, making it challenging for the batters. Both teams had to adapt to the changing conditions, which played a significant role in the dynamics of the match.

Luus’s Century

Luus’s century was a significant milestone in the match. Her determination and grit were on full display as she fought against the Indian bowlers, bringing stability to the South African innings and giving her team a fighting chance.

Skipper Harmanpreet Kaur gets the breakthrough for India. She kept low as Luus tried to pull, went under the bat, and removed the offstump from its groove. Luus scored 109 runs off 203 balls. She becomes the second South African to hit a century against India in India after Mignon du Preez.

Wolvaardt’s Near Century

Wolvaardt’s perseverance was commendable. Batting on 93, she showcased her skill and patience, dealing with the challenging pitch conditions and Indian bowlers. Her performance was a testament to her resilience and focus.

Deepti Sharma’s missed chances, including dropped catches at slip and off her own bowling, were critical moments in the match. These missed opportunities allowed South Africa to build their innings and put pressure on India.

South Africa’s game plan will focus on building partnerships and negating the Indian bowlers. The onus will be on Kapp and Wolvaardt to bat for as long as possible and put runs on the board.

Sneh Rana’s 8-wicket haul

India’s off-spinner Sneh Rana delivered a remarkable performance with figures of 25.3-4-77-8. Her spell dismantled the South African batting lineup and set a new benchmark since Neetu David’s 1995 feat. Rana’s achievement placed her alongside Indian greats in Women’s Test cricket history.

This achievement places her alongside Indian greats like Gargi Banerjee, Diana Edulji, and Shubhangi Kulkarni, who have also left indelible marks in Women’s Test cricket history.

India’s strategy for wickets

India’s game plan for Day 4 will revolve around early breakthroughs. The wicket has some assistance, and the Indian bowlers will need to exploit it fully. Aggressive field placements and disciplined bowling will be crucial. The wicket has some assistance on it. But won’t be easy for the Indians.

In a riveting contest that kept fans on the edge of their seats, Gujarat and UP locked horns in a battle of nerves. The match unfolded into a thrilling spectacle as both teams fought tooth and nail for supremacy. Gujarat exhibited admirable composure and determination, holding their nerve in the face of mounting pressure to secure a hard-earned victory by the slimmest of margins, just 8 runs separating the two sides at the end of the pulsating encounter.

As the game reached its climax, Deepti Sharma emerged as a pivotal figure for UP, teaming up with Poonam Khemnar to weather the storm and orchestrate a late charge towards the target. Their partnership infused hope and injected momentum into UP’s innings, as they skillfully maneuvered singles and capitalized on scoring opportunities in the crucial final overs.

Despite their valiant efforts and Deepti Sharma’s heroic unbeaten knock of 88 runs, UP ultimately fell agonizingly short of their target. The narrow defeat dealt a blow to their aspirations, leaving their chances of qualifying for the next stage hanging by a thread. Nonetheless, their spirited performance and fighting spirit served as a testament to their resilience and determination on the field.

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Deepti Shines: Gujarat Giants Hold On to Stay Alive

In the initial phase of the game, Gujarat’s opening pair exhibited aggressive intent, taking advantage of UP’s field placements and finding boundaries with ease. Their partnership laid a strong foundation for a competitive total. However, the momentum shifted when Laura Wolvaardt was dismissed, leading to a series of wickets around Beth Mooney, which slowed down the scoring rate significantly.

During the middle overs, Sophie Ecclestone emerged as a key figure for UP, applying pressure with her accurate bowling and stemming the flow of runs. The game took a dramatic turn in the final over as Beth Mooney launched a fierce assault on Sophie Ecclestone, scoring five boundaries and boosting Gujarat’s total to 152 runs while remaining unbeaten on 74 runs. Despite the late onslaught, Sophie Ecclestone stood out for UP with impressive figures of 3 for 38 in her four overs, showcasing her bowling prowess and resilience under pressure.

UP’s innings got off to a disappointing start when their captain, Alyssa Healy, was dismissed early with just 4 runs on the board. The following dismissals of the next two batters, who fell victim to ambitious shots, deepened the team’s troubles. Grace Harris’s departure a few overs later further exacerbated their challenges. Despite the adversity, Deepti Sharma remained resolute, displaying her exceptional form with a series of powerful strokes that momentarily eased the growing pressure on the team.

UP’s skipper, Alyssa Healy, expressed her disappointment with the overall team performance despite Deepti Sharma’s valiant effort. She mentioned that they aimed to take the game deep, but their strategy to take on the bowlers in the powerplay didn’t yield the desired results. Healy emphasized the importance of securing a victory in this crucial match and acknowledged that their loss has left their fate uncertain in the competition. However, she remained hopeful and highlighted the team’s resilience, praising players like Poonam Khemnar for their contributions.

What an exhilarating match at Arun Jaitley Stadium, Delhi! The atmosphere was electric as fans witnessed a rollercoaster of emotions unfold on the field. It was pure ecstasy for one team and heartbreak for the other. In a remarkable comeback, UP managed to defend the lowest total in the history of the Women’s T20 league, keeping their hopes alive in the competition. The momentum of the game swung back and forth, keeping spectators on the edge of their seats. In the end, UP clinched victory by the narrowest of margins, with Delhi losing 6 wickets for just 13 runs.

The UP Women’s team will be overjoyed with this crucial victory, which keeps their hopes alive in the competition. While they may feel a bit disappointed with their batting performance, there is room for improvement in that aspect. Deepti Sharma emerged as the standout bowler for UP, claiming a four-wicket haul and maintaining excellent economy rates. Her exceptional spell included conceding just 5 runs in the penultimate over, setting the stage for a thrilling finish. However, it was Grace Harris’s superb final over that ultimately secured the win for UP, ensuring they emerged victorious in this closely contested match.

See Also: WPL 2024: Player Analysis: Analysing the Impact of Jemimah Rodrigues Match-Winning Knock

Deepti’s Hat-Trick and Half-Century: A Thrilling Win for Warriorz

In the early stages of the match, the UP Women’s team encountered some setbacks, but Deepti Sharma’s resilient innings of 59 runs proved to be a crucial anchor for the team, propelling their total to 138 runs. Alyssa Healy provided valuable support with 29 runs before being dismissed by Alice Capsey.

Grace Harris contributed to the team’s score with a 33-run partnership alongside Deepti. Despite losing wickets at regular intervals, Deepti Sharma’s outstanding batting performance played a pivotal role in ensuring UP reached a competitive total. For Delhi, Radha Yadav and Titas Sadhu impressed with two wickets each, while Capsey, Pandey, Reddy, and Jonassen also contributed with one wicket apiece.

Delhi’s innings began on a shaky note with the early departure of Shafali Verma, setting a cautious tone. Meg Lanning and Alice Capsey formed a partnership to stabilize the innings, but Capsey struggled to find her rhythm, unable to capitalize on scoring opportunities. Sensing the need to take charge, skipper Lanning showcased her batting prowess, skillfully maneuvering the ball for crucial boundaries and reaching her third consecutive half-century.

However, just when it seemed Delhi was cruising, Lanning’s dismissal triggered a collapse. Wickets tumbled in quick succession, leaving Delhi reeling and unable to regain momentum. Despite a brief glimmer of hope sparked by a dropped catch resulting in a six, courtesy of Poonam Khemnar, Grace Harris’s determined performance for UP Women thwarted Delhi’s chances of victory, securing a thrilling win for UP.

Deepti Sharma receives the player of the match award for her remarkable performance, contributing with both bat and ball. She attributes her success to backing her strengths, reading the game situation, and adapting her gameplay accordingly. Deepti emphasizes her strategy of bowling tightly to keep set batters under control by inducing dot balls. She highlights her awareness of opponents’ playing styles, such as Shikha Pandey’s preference for straight shots, enabling her to anticipate and prepare for key moments. Looking forward, Deepti aims to maintain her consistency while continuing to learn and evolve as a player.

In the early stages of todays match, Uttar Pradesh (UP) faced a setback with Kiran Navgire’s dismissal in just the second over after choosing to bat. Despite this initial setback, UP showcased determination, accumulating 44 runs during the powerplay period, indicating their aggressive intent from the outset.

Deepti Sharma’s struggle bring result

However, Deepti Sharma, positioned at number three, encountered difficulties in finding her rhythm, resulting in a decline in the scoring rate. As pressure mounted, Alyssa Healy tried to inject momentum into the innings but was dismissed by Capsey’s bowling. Shortly thereafter, Arundhati Reddy delivered a splendid ball to dismiss McGrath, leaving UP at 63/3 by the halfway point of their innings.

Amidst these challenges, Deepti Sharma displayed resilience, gradually settling into her innings and eventually reaching a well-deserved fifty. Despite her commendable effort, Deepti lacked significant support from her teammates, leaving UP in a precarious position.

Challenges faced by Uttar Pradesh (UP) batting lineup

Nonetheless, her fighting innings ensured UP posted a competitive total, providing them with something to defend against the formidable batting lineup of Delhi Capitals (DC). As the match progresses, UP will rely on their bowlers to defend the total and secure victory against DC.

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In the ongoing match of the Women’s Premier League, UPW has set a target of 135/8 in 19.4 overs against DC at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi. DC requires 127 runs to win from 110 balls at a required run rate of 6.92. Meg Lanning and Shafali Verma are at the crease for DC, while Gouher Sultana and Saima Thakor are leading the bowling attack for UPW.

In a riveting showdown against UP Warriorz, Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) skipper Smriti Mandhana exhibited her batting brilliance at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru. Tasked with reversing two consecutive losses, Mandhana’s performance became pivotal in this must-win encounter for her team.

As she took the crease as opener, Mandhana crafted a masterful innings, ensuring RCB set a formidable target against UP Warriorz. With her aggressive stroke play, she dominated the opposition bowlers and captivated the spectators at RCB’s home ground.

Batting Brilliance and Banter: Mandhana Shines in RCB’s Clash

Despite her impressive display with the bat, Mandhana found herself involved in a playful exchange with UP Warriorz spinner Deepti Sharma. The banter added an extra dimension to the game, showcasing Mandhana’s competitive spirit and ability to thrive under pressure. However, Sharma managed to have the last laugh, dismissing Mandhana during the 17th over of the innings.

Mandhana’s departure marked the end of a spectacular innings, during which she amassed 80 runs off just 50 deliveries, including an array of boundaries and sixes. Her contribution was not only significant in terms of individual performance but also crucial for RCB’s quest for victory in the Women’s Premier League.

SEE ASLO: What’s on SRH’s mind? Irfan Pathan queries the decision to appoint Pat Cummins as captain in the IPL

Reflecting on her innings, Mandhana emphasized her unwavering focus and determination, stating that the team’s collective success outweighs personal accolades. Additionally, she shed light on the team’s strategic decision to alter the batting order, providing opportunities for other players like Sophie Devine to showcase their talents.

Mandhana’s leadership and resilience amidst challenges epitomize RCB’s fighting spirit in the tournament. Her performance serves as a beacon of hope for the team’s future endeavors, promising an exciting journey ahead in the Women’s Premier League.