Team India women's star Deepti Sharma credited the blessings of Hanuman Ji after producing her best-ever bowling figures in T20I cricket against Pakistan. The all-rounder claimed a brilliant five-wicket haul to help India secure a memorable victory against archrivals in the ICC Women's T20 World Cup 2026.
Deepti produced a match-winning performance in the Group A clash of the ongoing marquee tournament at Edgbaston in Birmingham on Sunday. The Women in Blue completely outplayed Pakistan, registering a commanding 64-run victory to begin their Women's T20 World Cup campaign on a strong note.
Hanuman Ji Is Great - Deepti Sharma After Career-Best T20I Bowling Figures
Deepti Sharma credited her teammates and the blessings of Hanuman Ji after producing the best bowling figures of her T20I career against Pakistan. The India all-rounder said that the turning conditions at Edgbaston helped her vary her pace and execute her plans effectively.
"All credit goes to the team, and I am very grateful. Hanuman Ji is great," Sharma said. "I like these kinds of wickets. I think because it's turning, I varied my pace with every ball and every over. That helped me a lot. I believe in myself and I bowl a little slower in the air, and I focus on the right areas. That's what I was doing."
Pakistan slipped from 75/3 to 106 all out as the experienced off-spinner ripped through the lower order. Deepti's brilliant bowling ensured that India comfortably defended their total of 170 runs.
We Gained Momentum From That Partnership - Deepti Sharma
Deepti Sharma credited the partnership between Smriti Mandhana and Harmanpreet Kaur for setting up India's dominant win over Pakistan. The all-rounder said the stand gave India crucial momentum and helped lay the foundation for the team's success.
"I like ICC tournaments. I think that's where I started, so I enjoy them. Yeah, it's an amazing crowd here, and a lot of people are supporting the Indian team today. That's what we want in every game - keep coming and supporting us. I especially want to mention Smriti and Harmanpreet Di's partnership. From there, we gained momentum."
Deepti became only the third Indian player to take a five-wicket haul in the Women's T20 World Cup. She joined Priyanka Roy, who achieved the feat against Pakistan in 2009, and Renuka Singh Thakur, who recorded a five-for against England in 2023.
Deepti Sharma Becomes Leading Wicket-Taker in Women's T20I History
Deepti Sharma achieved a milestone in Women's T20I cricket. The Indian all-rounder became the leading wicket-taker in the format's history. Deepti has consistently delivered on the biggest stages in recent years.
The 28-year-old now has 166 wickets from 145 Women's T20Is at an average of 19.42 and an economy rate of 6.29. She broke the previous record held by Thailand's Thipatcha Putthawong, who had taken 165 wickets in 105 matches.
The spell of 5/10 is Deepti's career-best performance in T20I cricket. It was also her second five-wicket haul in the format after returning figures of 5/19 against South Africa in Johannesburg in April 2026. She also claimed a five-wicket haul in the 2025 Women's ODI World Cup final against South Africa in Navi Mumbai.
