Deepti Sharma shines as Player of the Tournament
All-rounder Deepti Sharma, instrumental in India’s triumph, was named ‘Player of the Tournament’ for her outstanding contributions with both bat and ball.
A Brother’s Sacrifice Behind Her Success
Speaking to the ICC a week after the tournament, Deepti Sharma credited her brother, Sumit Sharma, for supporting her journey.
“I started playing cricket because of my brother. He made a lot of sacrifices for me; he left his job so that I could pursue my dream. On such a stage, in front of family, to perform well and lift the trophy feels truly special,” Deepti said.
Heroics in the Final
In the final, Deepti Sharma’s run-a-ball 58 helped India post a massive 298-7 in 50 overs. Young sensation Shafali Verma top-scored with a blazing 87 off 78 balls, hitting seven fours and two towering sixes.
India then bowled out South Africa for 246 in 45.3 overs, sealing a 52-run victory. Shafali contributed with the ball by taking key wickets of Sune Luus and Marizanne Kapp, while Deepti Sharma produced a match-winning spell of 5-39, turning the game decisively in India’s favor.
With 215 runs and 22 wickets in the tournament, Deepti Sharma’s stellar performance rightly earned her the ‘Player of the Tournament’ award, etching her name in the history books of Indian women’s cricket.
