Deepti Sharma spins India to series victory with record-breaking six-wicket haul
Xtra Time Web Desk: India wrapped up a commanding 3-0 ODI series victory over West Indies, driven by Deepti Sharma’s sensational bowling performance at the Kotambi Stadium in Vadodara. The off-spinner produced career-best figures of 6 for 31, etching her name in history as the first Indian woman cricketer to claim two six-wicket hauls in ODIs. She now joins South Africa’s Sune Luus as the only other woman to achieve this rare feat.
Opting to bat first, West Indies crumbled under pressure, managing just 162 runs in 38.5 overs. Renuka Singh Thakur set the tone early, dismissing Qiana Joseph on the first ball of the match with a leg-side strangle. She struck again in the same over, bowling out skipper Hayley Matthews with a sharp delivery.
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Chinelle Henry (61 off 72) and Shemaine Campbelle (46 off 62) tried to stabilize the innings, adding a gritty partnership. However, Deepti’s relentless spin dismantled the middle and lower order. Henry’s half-century couldn’t rescue the visitors as Deepti ensured West Indies folded quickly, sharing all 10 wickets with Renuka.
Chasing 163, India encountered a few stumbles but remained in control. Deepti continued her all-round brilliance, anchoring the chase with an unbeaten 39 off 48 balls. The hosts sealed the win in 28.2 overs with five wickets in hand.
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Deepti’s match-winning efforts elevated her career tally to 123 wickets in 98 ODIs, including three five-wicket hauls—two of which are six-wicket spells. Her previous best of 6 for 20 came against Sri Lanka in 2016.
This series win provides crucial preparation for the 2025 ODI World Cup, highlighting strong contributions from Smriti Mandhana, Renuka Singh, and Jemimah Rodrigues. Meanwhile, West Indies face tough questions about their batting vulnerabilities after another disappointing collapse.
