OTD 2017 – The highest partnership in women’s ODI history
The Indian men‘s team has had some iconic partnerships over the years. From Sourav Ganguly and Sachin Tendulkar to Rohit Sharma and Shikhar Dhawan, India have been blessed with some fabulous opening pairs. Even down the order, the several match-winning partnerships between Yuvraj Singh and MS Dhoni have stood the test of time. However, the Indian women’s team also have some partnership accolades to cherish.
The Indian team holds the record for the highest partnership in Women’s ODIs. Deepti Sharma and Punam Raut achieved this feat on May 15, 2017, against Ireland at the Senwes Park in Potchefstroom. This match was a part of the Women’s Quadrangular Series in South Africa. India, South Africa, Ireland, and Zimbabwe were the four teams that participated in this multi-nation tournament.
Talking about the aforementioned encounter, Indian captain Mithali Raj won the toss and opted to bat first. Deepti Sharma opened the batting along with Punam Raut. The latter played conservatively, while Deepti took the attack to the cleaners.
Deepti also took more of the strike and was eventually dismissed in the 46th over after scoring a magnificent 188 runs off 160 balls with the help of 27 fours and two sixes. She finished with a strike rate of 117.50. Raut, on the other hand, retired hurt soon after for an individual score of 109 off 116 balls, belting 11 boundaries.
The partnership between Deepti and Punam yielded a record 320 runs. They comfortably broke the previous record for the highest partnership in Women’s ODIs, which was set by England’s opening pair of Sarah Taylor and Caroline Atkins against South Africa at the iconic Lord’s Cricket Ground in London. They had forged an opening stand of 268.
After Deepti and Punam made way, Shikha Pandey was promoted up the order, and she smashed 27 runs off just 14 balls with the help of four boundaries. The Women in Blue finished on a commanding total of 358/2 in 50 overs.
In reply, Ireland Women got off to a sedate start as openers Mary Waldron and Leah Paul added 42 runs inside 17 overs. However, once India got the first breakthrough, the Irish batters to follow couldn’t provide much of a resistance. Wickets fell one after the other as the Indian bowlers had a field day. Eventually, the European side was bowled out for just 109 in 40 overs.
Rajeshwari Gayakwad was the pick of the Indian bowlers, finishing with stunning figures of 4/18 in eight overs. Pandey also bagged a three-for in her nine-over spell. Deepti showcased her all-round skills by bowling tightly and picking up the wicket of Paul, who was the first Irish batter to be dismissed in the match.
