Deepti Sharma delivered the finest bowling performance of her ICC Women's T20 World Cup career, claiming 5 wickets for 10 runs to trigger a stunning Pakistan collapse and hand India a commanding 64-run victory at Edgbaston, Birmingham, on Sunday, 14 June. The off-spinner earned the Player of the Match award as India launched their World Cup campaign in emphatic style.

Deepti's Career-Best Figures

Chasing 171, Pakistan looked dangerous at 52/1 at the end of the powerplay — their highest six-over total against India in Women's T20 World Cup history. But the innings unravelled dramatically in the middle overs, with the side crashing from 75/3 to 106 all out in just 17 overs, as India's spinners seized control.

Deepti struck first, inducing a reverse sweep from Gull Feroza that went straight to backward point. She then removed Ayesha Zafar, caught at short fine leg attempting a sweep. The pivotal moment arrived when a direct hit from Deepti at backward point ran out the well-set Muneeba Ali on 41 — a blow from which Pakistan never recovered. Deepti wrapped up the innings by claiming the final two wickets to complete her historic five-for.

'I like these kinds of wickets. I think because it's turning, I varied my pace with every ball and every over. That helped me a lot. I believe in myself and I bowl a little slower in the air, and I focus on the right areas. That's what I was doing,' Deepti said after the match.

Crediting divine blessings for the performance, she added: 'All credit goes to the team and I am very grateful, Hanuman Ji is great.'

India's Batting Platform

Smriti Mandhana anchored the innings with an elegant 68, and a late flourish from Richa Ghosh, who contributed 34, lifted India to 170/6. Deepti specifically highlighted the partnership between Mandhana and Ghosh as the foundation of India's eventual dominance. 'I especially wanted to mention Smriti and Harry Di's partnership. From there, we gained the momentum,' she said.

Pakistan's Collapse in Detail

Beyond Deepti's five-for, N Sree Charani chipped in with key dismissals — picking up Saira Jabeen off a leading edge and removing Natalia Pervaiz at extra cover. Shafali Verma also contributed, dismissing Fatima Sana for a three-ball duck. Aliya Riaz and Rameen Shamim fell in quick succession as India's spin attack proved relentless on a turning surface.

Deepti's Affinity for ICC Events

The all-rounder also acknowledged the vociferous crowd support at Edgbaston. 'Yeah, it's an amazing crowd here, and a lot of people are supporting the Indian team today. That's what we want in every game; let's keep coming and supporting us,' she said. Deepti added that ICC tournaments hold a special place for her: 'I like ICC tournaments. I think that's where I started, so I enjoy them.' With this performance, India set an early marker in the tournament and will look to carry the momentum into their next fixture.