Deepti Sharma: Redefining Women’s Cricket in 2024
Indian all-rounder Deepti Sharma has turned 2024 into a landmark year for herself and Indian women’s cricket. With consistent performances across bilateral ODI series, she has etched her name in the record books, becoming one of the most impactful players of the year.
In India’s recent 3-0 series sweep against the West Indies, Deepti’s exceptional bowling not only secured victories but also set multiple new records in women’s ODI history.
Key Records and Achievements by Deepti Sharma in 2024
1. Most Wickets in Women’s ODIs in 2024
- 24 wickets: Deepti Sharma now holds the record for the most wickets in women’s ODIs in 2024.
- She surpassed Sophie Ecclestone (21 wickets) to achieve this milestone.
- It is also her career-best yearly tally, surpassing the 22 wickets she claimed in 2017 and 2022.
2. Only Indian with Multiple Six-Wicket Hauls in Women’s ODIs
Deepti’s incredible 6 for 31 in the series against the West Indies made her the second player in history to take two six-fors in women’s ODIs. South Africa’s Sune Luus is the only other player to achieve this feat.
3. India’s Best Bowler in Bilateral ODI Series
- Deepti claimed 12 wickets in the three-match series, making it the best performance by an Indian in a bilateral women’s ODI series.
- She also holds the record for the most five-wicket hauls (3) by an Indian bowler in ODIs, ahead of legends like Jhulan Goswami, Ekta Bisht, and Neetu David, who each have two.
4. Joint Record with England in ODI Sweeps
India’s sweep of the West Indies marked the 12th time India has swept a bilateral women’s ODI series of three or more matches, equaling England’s record. Deepti’s contributions with the ball played a crucial role in achieving this milestone.
5. A Rare Feat in Bowling Partnerships
In the second ODI of the series, Deepti and Renuka Singh combined to dismiss all ten West Indies batters—a feat achieved only three times in women’s ODI history.
Historic Instances:
- Deepti and Renuka joined elite company alongside Pakistan’s Khursheed Jabeen and Sajjida Shah, and South Africa’s Shabnim Ismail and Moseline Daniels.
- This was the first time since 2011 that such a feat has occurred.
Deepti Sharma: Leading by Example
Deepti Sharma’s performances in 2024 are a testament to her hard work, skill, and dedication to Indian cricket. Her ability to deliver under pressure has not only contributed to India’s victories but also inspired a new generation of young cricketers.
“Consistency is the hallmark of great players, and Deepti has shown she’s one of the best,” said India’s head coach after the series.
Her rise as one of the world’s premier all-rounders comes at a time when Indian women’s cricket is gaining global attention.
Renuka Singh: The Perfect Bowling Partner
While Deepti stole the spotlight, Renuka Singh also made waves in the series.
- Renuka took 10 wickets, making it the joint-second-best performance by a fast bowler in a three-match bilateral ODI series.
- Only Ellyse Perry and Shabnim Ismail (11 wickets) have managed better numbers.
Together, Deepti and Renuka have formed a formidable bowling duo, capable of taking on the best batting line-ups in the world.
FAQs
Q1. How many five-wicket hauls does Deepti Sharma have in women’s ODIs?
Deepti Sharma has taken three five-wicket hauls in women’s ODIs, the most by any Indian bowler in this format.
Q2. What makes Deepti Sharma’s 6-for record special?
Deepti is the only Indian bowler with two six-wicket hauls in women’s ODIs. She achieved this feat with figures of 6 for 31 against the West Indies in 2024.
Q3. Who is the leading wicket-taker in women’s ODIs in 2024?
Deepti Sharma leads the chart with 24 wickets in women’s ODIs in 2024, surpassing Sophie Ecclestone’s tally of 21.
Q4. How many times has India swept a bilateral ODI series in women’s cricket?
India has completed a 3-0 series sweep in women’s ODIs 12 times, equaling England’s record for the most ODI series sweeps.
Q5. What is the significance of the Deepti-Renuka bowling partnership?
In 2024, Deepti Sharma and Renuka Singh became only the third bowling duo in women’s ODIs to claim all ten wickets in a single match, highlighting their unmatched synergy.
Final Thoughts
Deepti Sharma’s outstanding performances in 2024 have solidified her status as one of the world’s finest all-rounders. With her exceptional bowling skills, unwavering consistency, and the ability to deliver in crucial moments, Deepti has become the backbone of India’s women’s cricket team.
As India continues to dominate the ODI format, fans can look forward to even more records being broken and milestones achieved by Deepti Sharma and her teammates.
Stay tuned to FindCric.com for more updates, stats, and analysis on Indian women’s cricket.