India Women beat England Women by 347 runs in Navi Mumbai Test: Chief Architects of the win.
On the historic 16th of December 2023, India Women etched a remarkable chapter in cricketing history, mirroring the triumphs of Vijay Diwas in the annals of Indian armed forces. In a resounding victory, India-W outplayed England-W in a One-off test match held in Navi Mumbai, securing a record-breaking win-margin of 347 runs – surpassing the previous record of 309 runs set by SL-W against Pak-W. Notably, this marked India-W's first home win against England-W in 15 Tests, having twice bested them in away games back in 2014.
The heroics of Deepti Sharma took centre stage in this historic clash. Adjudged the Player of the Match, Deepti Sharma delivered a stellar all-round performance, claiming nine wickets and amassing 97 runs across both innings. Her crucial contributions with both bat and ball were instrumental in India's commanding victory.
Here are the chief architects of the history-making victory of the India eves:
Deepti Sharma (87 runs, 9/39)
Fondly referred to as "Stokesy" by the India Women's team head coach Amol Mazumdar, Deepti Sharma emulated the celebrated all-rounder Ben Stokes with her dual prowess. Batting at number seven, she rescued India from a precarious situation, contributing a vital 67(113) to propel the team to a formidable total of 428 in the first innings.
With the ball, she wreaked havoc on England's batting order, securing a fifer while conceding a mere 7 runs. Her relentless performance continued in the second innings, where she added crucial runs and claimed another four-wicket haul, sealing India's triumph.
Read More: India Women gear up for the red ball challenge with Tests against England & Australia in December
Harmanpreet Kaur (93 Runs)
Harmanpreet Kaur, the skipper of India-W, played a pivotal role in the team's success. Stepping in at number five, she anchored the innings with a calculated knock of 49 off 81 in the first innings and an unbeaten 44 in the second. Her leadership skills, reflected in accurate bowling rotations and astute reading of pitch conditions, further thwarted any hopes of an English comeback.
Shubha Satheesh (69 runs)
Shubha Satheesh, living a dream week after earning both an RCB WPL contract and a place in the playing XI for India in red-ball cricket, showcased her talent in the match. Alongside fellow debutant Jemimah Rodrigues, their partnership of 115 runs rescued India from a top-order collapse in the first innings. Shubha's free-flowing shots and elegant stroke play earned her a quickfire 49-ball fifty, leaving a lasting impact on her debut.
Jemimah Rodrigues (95 runs)
Jemimah Rodrigues, making her debut in red-ball cricket, contributed significantly with a matured knock of 68 in the first innings and a swift 27 in the second. The duo of Shubha and Jemimah, both debutants, played vital roles in shaping India's innings.
The victory was a collective effort, with India showcasing dominance in all three departments of the game. Noteworthy were the early breakthroughs provided by pacers Renuka Singh Thakur and Pooja Vastrakar, both on test debut, setting the tone for India's comprehensive win.
This resounding 347-run victory serves as a significant morale boost for team India-W as they prepare for the One-off test against Australia, scheduled to commence at Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai on 21st December. The performance not only commemorates Vijay Diwas but also signifies India's prowess in the realm of women's Test cricket.
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