While it was pacer Kranti Gaud's early strikes that derailed Pakistan's run chase against India in the Women's ODI World Cup 2025 clash in Colombo, Deepti Sharma played a crucial role in the commanding 88-run win. Deepti made contributions with the bat, picked up three wickets and also effected the run out of Pakistan opener Muneeba Ali. After the comprehensive win at R.Premadasa Stadium, Colombo, Deepti was awarded the in-house best fielder medal.
On the last ball of the fourth over, Deepti's direct hit caught Muneeba off-guard whose bat was in the air after grounding it. After several minutes of delay, arguments from Pakistan captain Fatima Sana, Muneeba had to leave the field.
Later, in the 34th over, Sidra Amin took a quick single. Deepti who was fielding at cover, picked up the ball and had a shy at the stumps. Amin made her ground but was hit on the right leg by Deepti’s throw. Umpire Lauren Agenbag had a conversation with Deepti who was just trying to run out Amin who got in the way.
Fielding coach chooses to look at positives
Fielding coach Munish Bali praised Deepti, captain Harmanpreet Kaur and vice-captain Smriti Mandhana for their fielding performance on an evening where several catches were dropped.
“Shabaash (excellent) girls, well done. Back to back wins - took six catches, and two run outs, well done. Two very good catches under pressure - Smriti, well done. 1 good catch, 1 direct hit - well done Harmanpreet. Deepti, excellent slip catch. Good low catch. One run out with very good game awareness, excellent Deepti,” he said.
Ghosh gives Deepti the ‘best fielder’ award
Wicketkeeper-batter Richa Ghosh who won the best fielding medal in previous clash against Sri Lanka, awarded the medal to Deepti. Richa had a bad day behind the stumps, dropping as many as four catches.
Earlier, Deepti had scored 25 runs from 33 balls. From nine overs, she conceded 45 runs and bagged three wickets. Her victims on October 5 evening were captain Sana, Rameen Shamim and Sadia Iqbal.