4th WT20I: Deepti Sharma powers India to 14-run win, denies South Africa clean sweep
Deepti Sharma starred with 5/19 and an unbeaten 36 as India Women beat South Africa by 14 runs in the fourth T20I in Johannesburg.
Deepti Sharma starred with 5/19 and an unbeaten 36 as India Women beat South Africa by 14 runs in the fourth T20I in Johannesburg.
The session majorly belonged to Annabel, who reached her fourth Test century off 133 deliveries and became the first Australian woman to score four hundreds in the format and the first to record three tons in succession.
“I can say that she is fit and fine,” Deepti said during the pre-match press conference, signaling that the Indian captain is ready to return to the field.
The men’s team enters the tournament as holders, having lifted the T20 World Cup in 2024 after a thrilling final victory over South Africa, and the backing from the women’s team has added an emotional boost ahead of the campaign.
Annabel Sutherland reclaimed the No. 1 position in the T20I bowling rankings following India’s 15-run victory over Sri Lanka in the fifth and final T20I.
UP Warriorz mentor Lisa Sthalekar said the franchise was unable to retain Deepti Sharma ahead of the WPL 2026 mega auction because of ‘the players we needed’ in the initial sets, but expressed relief at having the India all-rounder back in the squad.
The Director General of Police (DGP) Rajiv Krishna called her a pride of the department, while Deepti described the UP Police as her family.
Fresh off their historic ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 20265 triumph, India have already set their sights towards ICC Women's T20 World Cup 2026.
PM Modi praised their remarkable comeback in the tournament after three consecutive defeats and the social media trolling they had faced.
They are joined by three players from runners-up South Africa, with Proteas captain Laura Wolvaardt named skipper of the Team of the Tournament. Along with Wolvaardt, Marizanne Kapp and Nadine de Klerk have been included.
