Cricket

Deepti Sharma's exceptional bowling performances in the ongoing ODI series against New Zealand have propelled her to a career-high ranking in the ICC ODI bowling charts. The Indian all-rounder has surged to the No. 2 spot, surpassing Kate Cross and Megan Schutt, with a rating of 687 points.Sharma's impressive display in the first two ODIs has earned her three wickets and an economical bowling average of 3.42. Her consistent performances have significantly boosted her ranking, although she remains 83 points behind the top-ranked Sophie Ecclestone.On the T20I bowling table, Sharma maintains her position at No. 3, trailing only Ecclestone and Sadia Iqbal. The Indian star's all-round abilities are also evident in the allrounders' rankings, where she has climbed to No. 4.From the New Zealand side, Lea Tahuhu has made significant progress, moving up three places to No. 12. Amelia Kerr, despite being ruled out of the series due to injury, has gained one spot to No. 13. Sophie Devine has also made a notable jump, rising nine positions to equal 30th among bowlers.Devine's all-round performance in the second ODI, where she scored 79 runs and claimed three wickets, has also elevated her to No. 8 in the ODI batters' rankings. Other New Zealand batters who have improved their positions include Kerr (No. 11), Suzie Bates (joint No. 15), and Maddy Green (No. 18).For India, Jemimah Rodrigues has made a significant gain among the batters, moving up to No. 35 after her crucial contribution in the first ODI victory.The ongoing ODI series between India and New Zealand has witnessed several notable performances, with Deepti Sharma and Sophie Devine emerging as key players for their respective teams. The final match of the series promises to be an exciting contest, with both sides aiming to secure the series victory.

India's Women Cricketers Triumph Over New Zealand in ODI OpenerIn a thrilling encounter, the Indian women's cricket team emerged victorious over recently crowned Women's T20 World Cup champions New Zealand by a commanding 59-run margin in the first ODI of the three-match series.One of the defining moments of the match came during India's bowling effort, when spinner Deepti Sharma displayed exceptional presence of mind to execute a clever run-out. As New Zealand captain Sophie Devine stepped out to block a delivery, Sharma noticed an opportunity. With Devine still out of her crease and unaware of the situation, Sharma swiftly threw the ball back to wicket-keeper Yastika Bhatia, who swiftly dislodged the bails before Devine could return.Devine's attempt to evade Sharma's throw proved futile, as Yastika's quick reflexes sealed her fate. The third umpire confirmed Devine's dismissal, bringing an abrupt end to her innings for just two runs off five balls.Batting first, India posted a competitive total of 227 in 44.3 overs. While no batter managed to reach a half-century, several contributions throughout the order laid the foundation for their success. Tejal Hasabnis, making her international debut, top-scored with a solid 42, while Deepti Sharma chipped in with a valuable 41.In the run chase, New Zealand struggled to gain momentum, failing to establish any significant partnerships. They were eventually bowled out for 168 in just 40.4 overs, falling short of India's target by a significant margin.Radha Yadav emerged as the leading wicket-taker for India, claiming three wickets. Saima Thakor, another debutant, contributed with two wickets, while Deepti Sharma added one wicket to her impressive run-out.This victory marks a significant achievement for India, who had previously lost to New Zealand in the group stage of the Women's T20 World Cup. The team will now aim to secure a series win in the remaining two ODIs.

As the 2024 T20 Women's World Cup approaches, the spotlight shines on six exceptional players who embody the hopes and aspirations of their respective teams. These athletes possess a unique blend of skill, experience, and determination that could propel their nations to glory.Beth Mooney (Australia):The seasoned Australian opener, ranked number one in the ICC T20 batter rankings, is a cornerstone of the six-time champions' batting lineup. Her ability to anchor the innings and provide a solid foundation has been instrumental in Australia's past World Cup triumphs. Mooney's recent form, including a blistering 50 off 30 balls in a warm-up match against England, suggests she is primed to continue her dominance.Sophie Ecclestone (England):The 25-year-old left-arm spinner from Cheshire is the world's top-ranked bowler in both T20 and ODI cricket. Her accuracy, economy, and guile make her a formidable weapon for England captain Heather Knight. Ecclestone's ability to control the flow of runs and create wicket-taking opportunities will be crucial for England's title aspirations.Deepti Sharma (India):Known for her all-round prowess, Deepti Sharma is ranked second among T20 bowlers and third among all-rounders worldwide. Her left-handed batting and right-arm off-spin bowling provide India with a versatile option. Sharma believes that a World Cup victory could transform women's cricket in India, inspiring a new generation of players.Sune Luus (South Africa):The South African captain, who has transitioned from leg-spin to off-spin bowling, is a key batter and bowler for her team. Despite a recent dip in form, Luus has bounced back with impressive performances in a Test match against India and a T20I series against Pakistan. Her confidence and leadership will be vital for South Africa's chances of making a deep run in the tournament.Vishmi Gunaratne (Sri Lanka):At just 19 years old, Vishmi Gunaratne is a rising star in the Sri Lankan team. The young opener has shown glimpses of her potential, including an ODI century against Ireland. With the World Cup approaching, Gunaratne is eager to showcase her full range of abilities and help Sri Lanka make a mark on the global stage.Hayley Matthews (West Indies):The West Indies captain, who burst onto the scene as an 18-year-old in the 2016 T20 World Cup, is a versatile all-rounder. Matthews averages 25 with the bat and has taken 99 wickets with her off-spin. Her experience and leadership will be invaluable for the West Indies as they aim to upset the established powers and make a statement in the tournament.

India Women's Cricket Team Dominates in Second Warm-Up Win Ahead of T20 World CupThe Indian women's cricket team continued their impressive form in the lead-up to the Women's T20 World Cup, securing a 28-run victory over South Africa in their second warm-up match in Dubai.India's batters laid the foundation for the win, posting a competitive total of 144/7 against a formidable South African bowling attack. Smriti Mandhana (21), Harmanpreet Kaur (10), Jemimah Rodrigues (30), Deepti Sharma (35*), and Richa Ghosh (36) all contributed valuable runs.However, it was South Africa's Ayabonga Khaka who stole the show with an exceptional bowling performance. The pacer claimed five wickets for just 25 runs in her four overs, including three wickets in her final over to restrict India's total.Undeterred, India's bowlers responded magnificently in the second innings. Renuka Singh opened with a maiden over, setting the tone for a disciplined bowling display. Deepti and Harmanpreet also chipped in with economical spells, each taking a wicket.South Africa's openers, Laura Wolvaardt (29) and Tazmin Brits (22), provided a solid start, but India's spinners kept the middle order in check. Chloe Tryon (24) and Annerie Dercksen (21*) fought valiantly towards the end, but the chase fell short by 28 runs.The victory marks India's second consecutive warm-up win, following their 20-run triumph over the West Indies. The team will now turn their attention to the Women's T20 World Cup, which begins on Thursday in the UAE.India will open their campaign against New Zealand on October 4, followed by matches against Pakistan (October 6), Sri Lanka (October 9), and Australia (October 13).

India Poised for Dominance in Women's T20 World Cup 2024, Says Veda KrishnamurthyFormer Indian cricketer Veda Krishnamurthy has expressed confidence in the Indian women's team's ability to dominate the upcoming Women's T20 World Cup 2024. The team departed for the United Arab Emirates (UAE) on Wednesday, where the tournament will commence on October 3.Krishnamurthy emphasized the importance of adapting to the conditions in the UAE, particularly for the spin-heavy Indian squad. She highlighted the crucial role of Deepti Sharma, who has been a key bowler for the team."Adjusting to the conditions is crucial when playing in the UAE, especially with this squad. We rely heavily on spinners, particularly Deepti Sharma, who has been a key bowler for us," Krishnamurthy said.She also praised the fast bowlers, especially Pooja Vastrakar, for their ability to hit hard lengths with the semi-new ball. Krishnamurthy believes that if India can start well and get Renuka Singh firing, they will be a formidable force in the tournament."It's all about how they start, and they need Renuka to fire, regardless of the conditions. If they manage that, I think India will be very dominant in this World Cup," she added.In the previous edition of the T20 World Cup in 2022, India reached the semi-finals but fell short against Australia. Despite mixed results in the lead-up to this year's tournament, including losses to Australia and England, India has bounced back with consecutive series wins against Bangladesh.India will begin their T20 World Cup campaign against New Zealand on October 4 at Dubai International Stadium. They will also play warm-up matches against the West Indies and South Africa before the tournament.

As the Women's T20 World Cup approaches, Indian spinner Poonam Yadav has shared her insights on the team's preparations and potential. India's campaign begins on October 4 against New Zealand, followed by a highly anticipated clash with Pakistan on October 6.Yadav emphasized the tactical decisions captain Harmanpreet Kaur may face, particularly regarding the balance between pacers and spinners. She suggested that wrist-spinner Asha Shobana could be a valuable asset, especially if dew becomes a factor. Deepti Sharma is expected to play a key role in India's bowling attack, and Yadav believes both Sharma and Shobana could feature prominently depending on conditions.India's group also includes Sri Lanka, New Zealand, and Pakistan. Yadav acknowledged Sri Lanka's desire to defeat India again but expressed confidence in India's past success against them at the World Cup level. She also highlighted the importance of Shafali Verma's explosive batting at the top of the order, which can put the opposition on the back foot.Yadav praised the improvements made under coach Amol Mazumdar, who has focused on enhancing fielding and fitness. She believes the team's positive environment and hard work will contribute to their success.

The second Women's Big Bash League (WBBL) overseas draft witnessed a surge of Indian talent, with Jemimah Rodrigues and Deepti Sharma headlining the platinum-round picks. Rodrigues reunited with Jess Jonassen at Brisbane Heat, while Deepti joined Melbourne Stars, where she will play alongside Meg Lanning.Hobart Hurricanes, with the first pick, drafted in Danni Wyatt after losing out on Sophie Ecclestone, Heather Knight, and Laura Wolvaardt to retention picks. Melbourne Renegades opted for Deandra Dottin in the platinum category, while Hayley Matthews was allocated a gold category as their second-round pick.Heat drafted in Shikha Pandey, marking her maiden WBBL season. Melbourne Stars also selected wicketkeeper-batter Yastika Bhatia as their third pick. Perth Scorchers, with Sophie Devine as their pre-signed captain, drafted in D Hemalatha, who has played alongside Beth Mooney at Gujarat Giants in the WPL.Adelaide Strikers' third pick was Ireland allrounder Orla Prendergast, who has captained Ireland in ODIs. Sydney Sixers, with Amelia Kerr as a gold-category pick, could have a potent spin-bowling combo with Ecclestone.The presence of six Indians in the WBBL is the most for an edition of the tournament. This influx of Indian talent highlights the growing strength of women's cricket in India and the WBBL's commitment to diversity and inclusion.

Deepti Sharma's Heroics Lead London Spirit to The Hundred Women's TitleIn a thrilling finale at Lord's, Deepti Sharma's match-winning six propelled London Spirit to a four-wicket victory over Welsh Fire Women, securing their maiden The Hundred Women's title.Chasing a modest target of 116, London Spirit faced a stern test after losing six wickets for 110 runs. However, Deepti remained unfazed, guiding her team to victory with an unbeaten 16 off 16 balls.Earlier, Welsh Fire Women had posted a competitive 115-8, thanks to Tammy Beaumont's 21 off 16 and Jess Jonassen's 54 off 41. London Spirit's bowlers, led by Tara Norris and Sarah Glenn, kept the pressure on, restricting Welsh Fire to a manageable total.As the chase reached its climax, London Spirit needed 11 runs from the last 12 balls. Deepti, who had already contributed with the ball by taking 1-23, stepped up with the bat. Her calculated shots and composure ensured that London Spirit stayed on track.With 4 runs needed off 3 balls, Deepti displayed nerves of steel, launching Hayley Matthews' delivery over the boundary to seal the victory. Her six not only won the match but also capped off an incredible tournament for the all-rounder.London Spirit's innings saw several key contributions, with captain Heather Knight's 24 off 18 and Georgia Redmayne's 34 off 32 providing a solid foundation. However, it was Deepti's finishing touch that stole the show.

The London Spirit, led by star allrounder Deepti Sharma, are poised to face the Oval Invincibles in the Women's Hundred eliminator on Saturday. Deepti has been a formidable force against the Invincibles this season, showcasing her all-around prowess.In their first encounter at Lord's, Deepti top-scored for Spirit with 44 runs and claimed three wickets for 18 runs. In their second meeting at The Oval, she again impressed with an unbeaten 46 runs and three wickets for 18 runs.Deepti's performances have been crucial for Spirit, who are determined to secure a place in Sunday's final against Welsh Fire. "We are very clear about what we have to do and our plans," Deepti said. "We just need to keep it simple and enjoy each game."Deepti has been a consistent performer for Spirit, scoring at least 30 runs in each of her five innings and taking seven wickets at an impressive average of 19.57. She was named Player of the Match in the final game of the regular season, guiding Spirit to a seven-wicket victory over Northern Superchargers.The boom in franchise leagues has fostered a unique camaraderie among players from different countries. Deepti has forged strong bonds with England captain Heather Knight, former Australia captain Meg Lanning, and England spinners Sarah Glenn and Charlie Dean."I always forget in-the-past things," Deepti said. "I try to be in the present and watch the moment. They are good players and good team-mates, so we gel up every day."Spirit faced an anxious wait for their place in the eliminator to be confirmed, but they ultimately secured their spot after the Invincibles defeated Trent Rockets in their final regular match.The Invincibles, seeking their third Hundred title, will be without Chamari Athapaththu, who has joined Sri Lanka for their ODI series in Ireland. However, they will rely on the match-winning abilities of Marizanne Kapp, who has been instrumental in their success this season.Kapp's all-around contributions, including 181 runs and 10 wickets, have earned her high praise from Invincibles captain Lauren Winfield-Hill. "She's absolutely the first name on any teamsheet in any competition anywhere in the world," Winfield-Hill said.The eliminator promises to be a thrilling encounter between two evenly matched teams. Deepti Sharma's all-around brilliance and the Invincibles' formidable lineup will make for an exciting contest.