NEW DELHI:
Deepti Sharma
emerged as the star performer, guiding
India Women
toward a potential historic Test victory against
England
on the second day of their one-off Test.
After contributing a patient 67 with the bat in India's first innings total of 428, Deepti went on to dismantle the England lineup with a remarkable 5-wicket haul for just 7 runs in 5.3 overs.
Scorecard: India Women vs England Women, One-off Test
The hosts took a massive 292-run lead after bundling out England for 136 in their first innings, despite Nat Sciver-Brunt's composed 59.
Opting not to enforce the follow-on, India reached 186 for six in their second innings at stumps, establishing an overall lead of 478.
Deepti's brilliant spell triggered a spectacular collapse for England, as they lost six wickets for just 10 runs, tumbling from 108 for 3. The DY Patil Stadium pitch offered turn and variable bounce, favoring spinners and creating challenges for the batters.
The 26-year-old off-spinner utilized her bag of tricks to dismiss key English batters, including a classical off-spinner's dismissal of Danny Wyatt and a clever delivery that kept low to crash onto Sophie Ecclestone's wickets.
The Indian fielding unit also played an active role, with constant chatter and unorthodox field placements to keep the English batters on their toes.
Before Deepti's magic with the ball, pacers
Renuka Singh
and Pooja Vastrakar made valuable contributions to keep England in check. Renuka Singh, in particular, produced a terrific incoming delivery to clean up Sophia Dunkley, while Vastrakar accounted for England captain
Heather Knight
.
In their second innings, India faced challenges from English spinners Charlie Dean and Sophie Ecclestone. Despite some resistance, India maintained a commanding lead in the game, with
Harmanpreet Kaur
's unbeaten 44 and a crucial partnership with Pooja Vastrakar (17 not out) for the seventh wicket.
Deepti Sharma's exceptional all-round show has put India Women in a strong position to secure their maiden home Test victory over England. With the potential for more twists and turns in the game, the Indian team is poised for a historic triumph in the traditional format.
(With inputs from PTI)
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