Deepti Sharma is not looking too far ahead at the upcoming ODI World Cup and is focusing only on the present. The all-rounder played an important role in India’s four-wicket win over England in the first ODI in Southampton on Wednesday. Deepti stayed unbeaten on 62 as India chased down 259 runs successfully.
India bowled first and did well to keep England to 258/6. Most of the Indian batters contributed but it was Deepti who ensured the team reached home as she completed the job with her 64-ball 62.
This was India’s first ODI since the Sri Lanka tri-series, and the team looked sharp. The bowling was disciplined and the batters showed maturity in tricky conditions. The win gives India a 1-0 lead in the three-match series.
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Deepti Sharma Stays Focused on England ODIs, Not the World Cup
Speaking after the match, Deepti Sharma said the Women's ODI World Cup, starting in September, is still some time away, and the team is focusing on one match at a time.
"Just in terms of preparation for the World Cup, I think as a team, we did some really good things in Sri Lanka and here also. The World Cup is a little too far. We are not thinking about that, but definitely we are going one match at a time. That’s what we are thinking at the moment," Deepti said as quoted in the post-match presser.
She also opened up on her thought process during the chase, especially the 90-run stand she shared with Jemimah Rodrigues for the fifth wicket that revived the innings from a tricky position.
"I knew that I could be calm and composed. The partnership with Rodrigues was a turning point for us. We had focused that we have to focus on partnership when I was batting with Jemi. When we were at the crease, the plan was to go at 5-6 runs per over and that’s what we did."
Deepti, who has often played the finisher’s role, said she relied on her experience to manage the pressure.
"Actually, I was not nervous because I’ve played in these kinds of situations before. A few matches back also. I knew that if I played till the end with Jemi, we could take the game. I was quite confident that if I were there, I would have to finish, and I was focusing more on that," Deepti shared.
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India Eye Series Win at Lord’s
The second ODI will be played at Lord’s on July 19. A win there will help India seal the series with one match to go.
They recently won the T20I series, their first against England.
Also read: Legendary England captain praises Shubman Gill, but gives a bold message
