Seasoned all-rounder Deepti Sharma has said she thrives under pressure in major ICC tournaments after producing a match-winning display in India’s opening fixture of the Women’s T20 World Cup against arch-rivals Pakistan.

After a relatively quiet run in recent series against Australia, South Africa and England, Deepti bounced back emphatically with career-best figures of 5 for 10 as India launched their campaign with a convincing 64-run victory on Sunday. Her outstanding spell not only marked the best bowling figures by an Indian in the history of the Women’s T20 World Cup but also ranks as the third-best bowling performance overall in the tournament.

The effort came less than a year after Deepti’s memorable five-wicket haul in the Women’s ODI World Cup final, a performance that played a key role in helping India secure its maiden 50-over world title. Speaking after the match, the 28-year-old said she enjoys performing on the biggest stages and feels she has resumed from where she left off during the previous ICC event.

“I enjoy pressure situations and ICC tournaments. It feels like I have started again from where I finished, so that gives me confidence. I am focusing on my process and trying to replicate in matches what I do consistently in training,” Deepti said at the post-match press conference.

“These routines help me a lot. The most important thing is to keep moving forward, continue improving every day and never become complacent.”
Deepti, who was also a member of the Indian side that reached the Women’s ODI World Cup final in 2017, reflected on her growth as a player over the years.
“When I compare the younger Deepti with the player I am today, it feels satisfying. The 2017 World Cup taught me a great deal, and every match since then has been a learning experience. I always try to identify areas where I can improve and work on them,” she said.

“I regularly discuss my game with Avishkar sir and often review my performances through videos. There is always something to learn, regardless of whether you win or lose. A good player is someone who constantly looks for ways to improve even their strengths. Every match matters to me, and I am simply enjoying the journey,” she added.

Against Pakistan, Deepti dismissed Gull Feroza, Ayesha Zafar, Aliya Riaz, Nashra Sandhu and Tasmia Rubab while also contributing an unbeaten 12 from nine deliveries with the bat.

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Explaining her bowling approach, she said, “I kept my plans simple and backed myself. Whenever challenging situations arise, I believe it is important to step up. The pitch offered some turn, so my focus was on landing the ball in the right areas consistently. “Bowling in good channels repeatedly was the key. On this surface, variations in pace were crucial, and changing my speed regularly helped me achieve success.”

India’s innings had been rescued earlier by a crucial 91-run partnership between Smriti Mandhana and Harmanpreet Kaur after the team was reduced to 18 for 2 in the early stages. “Smriti played an outstanding innings, and that partnership between Smriti and Harmanpreet was very special,” Deepti said.
“That stand changed the momentum completely. We had lost early wickets, but we always believed in the strength of our batting line-up. The way they absorbed pressure and rebuilt the innings was truly commendable.”

India will next face tournament debutants the Netherlands, but Deepti stressed that her side would not underestimate any opponent. “They played today and are a good team. Qualifying for the World Cup for the first time is a significant achievement, so we are not taking them lightly. There are still a few days before that match, and right now we are in a good space.

“Our focus remains on taking one game at a time. Every match is important for us, and we want to continue playing positive cricket throughout the tournament,” she said.