Deepti Sharma credits ‘Hanuman Ji’ after career-best five-for powers India past Pakistan

Deepti Sharma credited Hanuman Ji after claiming a career-best 5 for 10 to help India crush Pakistan by 64 runs in the Women's T20 World Cup. The off-spinner's match-winning spell earned her the Player of the Match award at Edgbaston

Birmingham: After producing the best bowling figures of her T20 World Cup career and earning the Player of the Match award, Deepti Sharma credited the blessings of Hanuman Ji for India’s emphatic 64-run victory over Pakistan at Edgbaston on Sunday.

“All credit goes to the team and I am very grateful. Hanuman Ji is great,” Deepti said after returning sensational figures of 5 for 10 as India began their ICC Women’s T20 World Cup campaign in dominant fashion.

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The experienced off-spinner delivered a match-winning spell, triggering a dramatic collapse as Pakistan slumped from 75 for 3 to 106 all out in 17 overs while chasing India’s 170 for 6.

Deepti said she enjoys bowling on pitches that offer assistance to spinners and explained how varying her pace helped dismantle the Pakistan batting line-up.

“I like these kinds of wickets. Because the ball was turning, I varied my pace with every delivery and every over. That helped me a lot. I believe in myself, bowl a little slower through the air and focus on the right areas. That’s what I was doing,” she said.

The all-rounder also spoke about her affinity for ICC events.

“I like ICC tournaments. I think that’s where I started, so I enjoy them,” she added.

Earlier, Smriti Mandhana’s elegant 68 and a late flourish from Richa Ghosh, who scored 34, helped India post a competitive 170 for 6.

Pakistan began their chase aggressively, reaching 52 for 1 in the Powerplay — their highest six-over total against India in Women’s T20 World Cup history. Muneeba Ali, who survived two dropped catches early in her innings, capitalised with a fluent knock featuring four boundaries, while Gull Feroza also found the fence twice as Pakistan looked well placed.

However, India’s spinners seized control during the middle overs. Deepti struck first when Gull reverse-swept straight to backward point. She then dismissed Ayesha Zafar, who was caught at short fine leg while attempting another sweep shot.

N. Sree Charani joined the wicket-taking spree when Saira Jabeen’s leading edge was safely taken at short cover.

The turning point came when Muneeba, batting confidently on 41, was run out by a direct hit from Deepti at backward point. Pakistan never recovered from the setback.

Fatima Sana fell for a three-ball duck to Shafali Verma, Natalia Pervaiz was caught at extra cover off Charani, while Aliya Riaz and Rameen Shamim also departed as India’s spinners tightened their grip on the contest.

Deepti fittingly wrapped up the innings by claiming the final two wickets to register her maiden five-wicket haul in a Women’s T20 World Cup.

She also acknowledged the support from the crowd and highlighted the crucial partnership that laid the foundation for India’s victory.

“It’s an amazing crowd here, and a lot of people are supporting the Indian team. That’s what we want in every game. Please keep coming and supporting us,” she said.

“I especially want to mention Smriti and Harry Di’s partnership. That’s where we gained momentum.”