India all-rounder Deepti Sharma credited perseverance and self-belief after ending a nine-year wait for her second ODI century during India’s 121-run victory over Zimbabwe in Vadodara on Sunday.
Deepti scored an unbeaten 106 from 86 deliveries and followed her batting performance with three wickets as India secured an unassailable 2–0 lead in the three-match ODI series.
Her 153-run fifth-wicket partnership with Harmanpreet Kaur, who struck 126, helped India recover from early setbacks and post 328 for 6.
Zimbabwe were subsequently dismissed for 207 in 48.5 overs, with Vaishnavi Sharma taking four wickets and Deepti claiming three.
Deepti Sharma Reflects on Nine-Year Wait for Second ODI Hundred
Deepti’s century was her first in ODI cricket since May 2017, when she scored 188 against Ireland.
Although the gap between her two hundreds stretched to nine years, the all-rounder said she had continued working towards the milestone without losing confidence in her abilities.
“I tried a lot, but it took a lot of time. But I believed in my hard work that I would get there sooner or later,” she said.
Deepti explained that reaching three figures was not her main objective when she arrived at the crease against Zimbabwe.
India had already lost several wickets, making it important to rebuild the innings and establish a partnership.
“More than 100, what was in my mind was how we could build a partnership in that situation,” she explained.
She also acknowledged that completing the century in Vadodara made the achievement particularly meaningful.
Deepti and Harmanpreet Kaur Add 153 Runs for Fifth Wicket
India faced early difficulties after losing Smriti Mandhana and Shafali Verma.
Pratika Rawal helped steady the innings with 61 before Harmanpreet produced a commanding century to put the hosts in a stronger position.
When Deepti joined Harmanpreet following the fourth wicket, the pair concentrated on rebuilding the innings and ensuring India could make full use of their 50 overs.
Their 153-run partnership for the fifth wicket proved crucial in transforming India’s position.
Harmanpreet finished with 126, while Deepti remained unbeaten on 106 from 86 deliveries.
Together, their contributions helped India reach 328 for 6.
Deepti praised Harmanpreet’s calm approach, explaining that the experienced batter appeared relaxed and composed while playing deliveries on their merit.
After joining her in the middle, Deepti focused on supporting the partnership and maintaining the scoring rate.
“We had to make sure that we would bat through the entire 50 overs,” she said.
The all-rounder explained that she looked to attack deliveries in her preferred scoring areas while taking advantage of loose bowling.
Rather than concentrating on individual milestones, she prioritised the team’s position and the need to build a substantial total.
Deepti Credits Hard Work and Simple Batting Approach
Deepti attributed her performance to consistent preparation, confidence and a straightforward approach to batting.
She explained that she does not begin an innings with a specific personal target, such as scoring a half-century or hundred.
Instead, she prefers to respond to each delivery according to the match situation.
The all-rounder also spoke about her faith in Lord Hanuman and the importance of maintaining a regular practice routine.
“I have a lot of faith in my hard work. I have a lot of faith in you. And whatever you do in the practice session every day, it definitely helps you in the match,” Deepti said.
“So, this is my mindset. I don’t think too much. So, this is how it is.”
She added that every match provides opportunities to learn, with lessons from previous performances helping her prepare for future challenges.
Her unbeaten century against Zimbabwe demonstrated the value of that approach, particularly after India had lost wickets early in their innings.
Vaishnavi Sharma and Deepti Lead India’s Bowling Effort
After India posted 328 for 6, their bowlers maintained control of Zimbabwe’s chase.
Vaishnavi Sharma led the attack with four wickets, while Deepti completed an impressive all-round performance by claiming three.
Zimbabwe were dismissed for 207 in 48.5 overs, giving India a comprehensive 121-run victory.
Deepti praised the bowling unit for its collective effort and explained that the team had remained confident in its ability to dismiss Zimbabwe.
Her three-wicket contribution followed her unbeaten century, making her one of the central figures in India’s series-clinching performance.
India Secure ODI Series With One Match Remaining
The victory gave India a 2–0 advantage in the three-match ODI series, confirming the result before the final encounter.
Deepti also highlighted the confidence within India’s batting lineup, particularly the belief that the middle order could respond effectively when early wickets fell.
That confidence was evident in Vadodara, where India recovered through Rawal’s 61 and the substantial partnership between Harmanpreet and Deepti.
With the series already decided, Deepti said the team would review its options ahead of the third ODI and continue looking for areas to improve.
For the all-rounder, the match represented both an important team victory and a personal milestone.
Nine years after her first ODI hundred, Deepti’s unbeaten 106 provided another reminder of her value to India’s batting lineup, while her three wickets underlined her importance as an all-round contributor.
