Deepti Sharma delivered a big-match performance once again as India opened their Women’s T20 World Cup 2026 campaign with a commanding 64-run win over Pakistan in Birmingham. The experienced all-rounder produced career-best WT20I figures of 5 for 10 in four overs, turning the contest firmly in India’s favour and reminding everyone why she remains such a vital presence in pressure games.
After her match-winning spell, Deepti said she was grateful for the support she has received and credited her faith for helping her stay calm in high-pressure moments. “All credit goes to the team, and I am very grateful. Hanuman Ji is great,” Deepti Sharma said after being named Player of the Match.
The India star had faced a quiet patch in recent outings against Australia, South Africa and England, but she found her rhythm again on the World Cup stage. On a surface that offered some assistance to the spinners, Deepti stayed disciplined, trusted her strengths and delivered a spell that broke Pakistan’s batting backbone.
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“I like the pressure conditions and ICC tournaments; I feel I have started again from where I had finished, so it feels good,” Deepti Sharma said at the post-match press conference. “I’m focusing on my process. The same things I do in practice I am applying in matches. These things help me, and the only thing is that I have to keep moving forward, and not stop. Day by day I have to keep improving.”
Deepti Sharma said – “Lord Hanuman Ji is Great, special thanks to Hanuman Ji”. ♥️#INDvsPAK pic.twitter.com/tUoHjzMkZA
— Indian Cricket (@IPL2025Auction) June 15, 2026
Deepti’s spell was built on simple plans and sharp execution. She dismissed Gull Feroza, Ayesha Zafar, Aliya Riaz, Nashra Sandhu and Tasmia Rubab, while also contributing an unbeaten 12 off 9 balls lower down the order. Her ability to vary pace and hit the right lengths proved decisive as Pakistan struggled to build partnerships.
“I kept my plans very simple and just had self-belief that whenever such situations arise, I’ll have to step up,” she explained. “Since the wicket was slightly turning, I was hitting my good balls and landing them well. It was just about bowling back-to-back in the good areas. On today’s pitch, speed was very crucial, so I was varying it in every over, and that helped me.”
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India will next face Women’s T20 World Cup debutants Netherlands, and Deepti said the team is not planning to take the fixture lightly. With momentum on their side, India are keen to keep the same positive approach and treat every group game with equal importance. “I think they played today, and it’s a good team and first time they’ve qualified for the World Cup,” she said. “We are not taking that game lightly… every match is important for us and we will play our positive cricket.”
