For Deepti Sharma, India’s inaugural Women’s World Cup victory on home soil was more than just a dream come true; it was, as she eloquently put it after the match, a matter of destiny. The talented all-rounder, whose exceptional performances illuminated the entire tournament, culminating in a stellar showing in the final, expressed her belief that the team’s long pursuit of an ICC title was ‘written to happen in India.’
Deepti played a pivotal role in securing India’s 52-run win against South Africa in the Sunday final at the DY Patil Stadium. Her impactful contribution included taking five wickets for just 39 runs and smashing a crucial 58 runs, helping India post a formidable total of 298/7. This outstanding all-round display not only led her team to glory but also earned her the prestigious Player of the Tournament award, having amassed 22 wickets and 215 runs throughout the competition.
“I am feeling incredibly good,” Deepti shared, reflecting on her journey. “Since the very first game of the World Cup, I’ve performed exactly as I envisioned myself as a senior player. There’s truly nothing more fulfilling than delivering such a strong performance in the final and hoisting the trophy.”
Looking back at the many years of near misses and heartbreak, she remarked, “It took us a very long time to win the World Cup, but what God has planned for you unfolds at the perfect, destined time, and I believe it was meant to occur right here in India.”
The off-spinning all-rounder etched her name in history by becoming the first player across both men’s and women’s cricket to achieve a half-century and a five-wicket haul in a World Cup knockout match. She emphasized the profound significance of playing at the DY Patil Stadium.
“This stadium holds so many wonderful memories for me, as we’ve clinched every series we’ve played here. We entered the final with immense positivity as a team, resolved to play together, regardless of the outcome,” she stated.
In the final showdown, Shafali Verma led India’s batting charge with a superb 87, while Deepti and Richa Ghosh’s late partnership provided the vital push to nearly reach the 300-run mark. Although South Africa’s Laura Wolvaardt fought valiantly with a century, Deepti’s decisive five-wicket haul ultimately sealed the historic victory for India.
As Deepti summarized the team’s triumph, “We were determined to win this, especially since it was happening in India, and we absolutely had to win this as a team… and now, that long wait has finally drawn to a close.”