
Indian all-rounder Deepti Sharma achieved an unparalleled milestone in the history of cricket World Cups—a record that stands alone across both the men’s and women’s tournaments. In a spectacular display of all-round brilliance, Sharma became the first cricketer, male or female, to register the double of 200 runs and 20 wickets in a single edition of a 50-over World Cup.
Her phenomenal performance was the bedrock of India’s historic maiden ICC Women’s World Cup title victory. Across the tournament, Sharma was the epitome of consistency, amassing 215 runs with the bat and finishing as the highest wicket-taker with a haul of 22 scalps.
A Final for the Ages
The crowning moment came in the World Cup final against South Africa, where Deepti Sharma’s contributions were truly match-winning. She delivered a performance for the ages, becoming the first-ever cricketer (male or female) to score a half-century and take a five-wicket haul in a World Cup final.
With the Bat: Coming in at a critical juncture, Sharma scored a composed 58 runs off 58 balls, steadying the innings and forging crucial partnerships to power India to a commanding total of 298.
With the Ball: She then wreaked havoc with her off-spin, claiming a match-defining 5 for 39 to dismantle the Proteas’ chase. This spell included the crucial wickets that swung the momentum back to India.
Sharma’s composure under pressure and exceptional skills rightfully earned her the prestigious Player of the Tournament award, cementing her legacy as one of the sport’s greatest all-rounders and a defining figure in India’s World Cup triumph.