OTD | India’s Deepti Sharma and Poonam Raut registered highest ever partnership in women’s ODIs

On 15 May, 2017, India’s Deepti Sharma and Poonam Raut put up a 320-run opening partnership to set a record for the highest partnership in women’s cricket for any wicket. The feat was achieved in the quadrangular 50-over series against Ireland in Potchefstroom, South Africa. 

India amassed a humongous total of 358-3 after captain Mithali Raj won the toss and decided to bat first. Deepti, who was 19 at the time, delivered a magnificent 188-run knock, the second highest score in women’s ODIs. Her 160-ball innings included 27 boundaries and two sixes. Meanwhile, Raut smashed 109 runs off 116 balls, including 11 fours, before retiring hurt. 

The pair became the first to cross the 300-run mark in women’s ODIs, breaking the record previously held by New Zealand’s Amelia Kerr and Leigh Kasperek (295 for the second wicket). 

All-rounder Deepti broke Jaya Sharma’s unbeaten 138 against Pakistan in 2005 to set the record for the highest individual score by an Indian in women’s ODIs. The Uttar Pradesh cricketer is also second on the overall list, trailing only Australia’s Belinda Clarke, who scored an unbeaten 229 against Denmark in Mumbai in 1997.

Ireland were never close in the chase 

Chasing a mammoth total, Ireland never looked in contention and were bowled out for a mere 109 in 40 overs, handing India a resounding 249-run triumph. The Laura Delany-led side crossed the 50-run mark in the 19th over. Deepti drew first blood by dismissing opener Leah Paul (13) in the 17th over, and Ireland has since lost wickets in quick succession. 

They lost half their side for 75 runs by the 30th over and somehow managed to take the team total to 100, after which India swiftly whitewashed the tail-enders. Mary Waldron, who scored 35 runs, was the Irish team’s leading scorer, as only four players could reach double figures. Right-arm medium pacer Shikha Pandey (3/16 in 9 overs) and left-arm spinner Rajeshwari Gayakwad (4/18 in 8 overs) spearheaded the bowling attack for India.