Indian all-rounder Deepti Sharma has reached a major career milestone by rising to the No. 1 position in the ICC Women’s T20I bowling rankings. Deepti secured the top ranking with 737 rating points, edging out Australia’s Annabel Sutherland by a single point in a closely contested standings update released after the India vs Sri Lanka T20I series.
This achievement places Deepti among the elite bowlers in world cricket and further strengthens India’s growing dominance in the women’s game.
Match-Winning Spell Against Sri Lanka Seals No. 1 Ranking
Deepti Sharma’s rise to the top was powered by a brilliant bowling performance in the opening T20I against Sri Lanka on December 21 in Visakhapatnam. Bowling with exceptional control and discipline, Deepti returned figures of 1 wicket for 20 runs, including a maiden over that choked Sri Lanka’s scoring momentum in the middle overs.
Her economical spell proved decisive in restricting Sri Lanka to a modest total, setting the platform for India’s comfortable chase. The performance earned Deepti crucial ranking points, allowing her to overtake Sutherland at the summit.
India Dominates Series Opener With Clinical Performance
India showcased complete dominance in the series opener, registering an emphatic eight-wicket victory. Chasing a target of 122, the Indian batting lineup made light work of the task, finishing the chase in just 14.4 overs.
The star with the bat was Jemimah Rodrigues, who played a fluent and confident knock of 69 not out, anchoring the innings and ensuring there were no hiccups in the run chase. Her innings, combined with Deepti’s tight bowling, highlighted India’s depth and balance in the shortest format.
Rare Double Achievement for Indian Cricket
With Deepti Sharma now leading the women’s T20I bowling rankings, India has achieved a rare and prestigious milestone. The country currently holds the No. 1 bowling spot in both men’s and women’s T20I cricket, with Varun Chakravarthy occupying the top position in the men’s rankings.
This dual dominance is a testament to India’s growing strength in white-ball cricket and reflects the depth of talent across genders. Such an achievement has been widely praised as a landmark moment for Indian cricket.
Recognition From BCCI, ICC, and Fans Worldwide
Deepti Sharma’s achievement has been celebrated across the cricketing ecosystem. The Board of Control for Cricket in India congratulated the all-rounder for her consistency and dedication, while the International Cricket Council highlighted her rise as a reflection of India’s strong performances in recent months.
Fans across social media platforms also poured in congratulatory messages, hailing Deepti as one of the most reliable performers in the Indian setup and praising her calm temperament under pressure.
Deepti Sharma: Consistency, Control, and Big-Match Impact
Over the years, Deepti Sharma has built a reputation as a bowler who thrives in high-pressure situations. Her ability to bowl tight overs, maintain a low economy rate, and pick up crucial wickets has made her an indispensable part of India’s T20I plans.
Unlike many bowlers who rely purely on variations, Deepti’s success lies in her accuracy, game awareness, and ability to read batters. Her performances have been particularly effective on subcontinental pitches, where control and discipline often outweigh raw pace.
A Milestone Moment in a Growing Career
At 28, Deepti Sharma is entering the prime of her cricketing career. Reaching the No. 1 ranking is not just a personal milestone but also a reflection of her evolution as an international cricketer. From being a promising youngster to becoming the world’s top-ranked T20I bowler, her journey has been defined by perseverance and continuous improvement.
This achievement is expected to further boost her confidence as India prepares for upcoming bilateral series and global tournaments.
What This Means for Indian Women’s Cricket
Deepti Sharma’s rise to the top symbolizes the broader growth of Indian women’s cricket on the global stage. With players like Deepti and Jemimah Rodrigues delivering consistent match-winning performances, India is steadily establishing itself as a powerhouse in women’s T20 cricket.
As rankings continue to evolve and competition intensifies, Deepti’s No. 1 position sets a benchmark for future generations and reinforces India’s ambitions of dominating world cricket across formats.
With form, fitness, and focus firmly on her side, Deepti Sharma’s reign at the top may just be the beginning of an even more successful chapter in her already impressive career.
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