Photo Credit : facebook.com/OfficialDeeptiSharma
In a riveting second T20 match at the DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai, the Australian women’s cricket team emerged victorious, securing a six-wicket win against India and leveling the three-match series. Despite a late rescue act by Deepti Sharma, Australia’s Alyssa Perry and Phoebe Litchfield successfully chased down the target with an over to spare.
Batting Struggles and Deepti’s Heroics:
Opener Shafali Verma fell early, and despite efforts from Harmanpreet Kaur and Smriti Mandhana, the Indian innings stumbled. Deepti Sharma’s milestone achievement of completing 1000 runs in women’s T20 cricket on the night showcased her prowess, and she was the top scorer for India with a crucial 30 runs off 27 balls. Her partnership with Richa Ghosh helped India post a total of 130/8 in their allotted 20 overs.
Australia’s Response and Deepti’s Impact with the Ball:
Australia, led by Alyssa Healy, began their chase strongly, with Healy and Beth Mooney putting up a solid partnership. However, Deepti Sharma emerged as the standout performer for India, claiming both Healy and Mooney in successive overs. Shreyanka Patil and Pooja Vastrakar further contributed by dismissing Tahlia McGrath and Ashleigh Gardner, leaving Australia at 99/4 by the end of the 16th over.
Australia’s Victory and Perry’s Milestone:
Despite India’s efforts to tighten the grip with some tight overs, Alyssa Perry and Phoebe Litchfield managed to guide Australia to victory with an over to spare. Perry, playing her 300th international game across formats, closed out the match with a six, making her only the fourth woman in cricket to achieve this milestone.
Match Summary:
India-W 130/8 in 20 overs (Deepti Sharma 30, Smriti Mandhana 23, Richa Ghosh 23 Georgia Wareham 2/17) lost to Australia-W 133/4 in 19 overs (Elyssa Perry 34, Alyssa Healy 26 Deepti Sharma 2-22) by six wickets.
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