Deepti Sharma Ends 3,450-Day Wait, Becomes First Indian Woman to Score a Century Since 2016

Deepti Sharma Ends Nine-Year Wait for Second ODI Century With Unbeaten 106

India all-rounder Deepti Sharma ended a gap of nine years and five months between her ODI centuries with a brilliant unbeaten 106 against Zimbabwe in the second ODI in Vadodara on Sunday, October 25. Her latest hundred came 3,450 days after her maiden ODI century, a magnificent 188 against Ireland in Potchefstroom, South Africa, on May 15, 2017.

The interval between Deepti’s first and second ODI centuries is the second-longest in women’s ODI history. South Africa’s Marizanne Kapp holds the record, having gone 3,867 days between her first century in 2013 and her second in 2023.

Deepti’s achievement also ranks as the second-longest gap between centuries in women’s international cricket. The record belongs to Molly Hide, who waited 5,117 days between her first and second Test hundreds, scored in 1935 and 1949.

Deepti was only 19 when she registered her maiden ODI hundred. Batting alongside Punam Raut at the top of the order, she hammered 188 runs off 160 deliveries, including 27 fours and two sixes. The duo stitched together a record-breaking 320-run opening stand, helping India reach 358 before securing a comprehensive 249-run victory.

DEEPTI LEADS INDIA’S RECOVERY

Unlike her first century, Deepti’s latest milestone came while batting in the lower middle order. After India lost early wickets, she steadied the innings in partnership with Harmanpreet Kaur, who also struck a century. Their vital 153-run stand helped India regain momentum and build a commanding total.

Deepti reached her half-century in just 37 balls, using the sweep shot effectively against Zimbabwe’s spinners. She continued to find gaps through the off side and frequently used her feet to put pressure on the bowlers.

The all-rounder brought up her century off 83 deliveries in the final over, sweeping Tendai Makusha for four before celebrating the milestone as her teammates applauded. She remained unbeaten on 106 from 86 balls, hitting 15 boundaries.

Her innings also created a new record in Indian women’s ODI cricket. Deepti became the first Indian woman to score a century while batting at No. 6 or lower, surpassing Richa Ghosh’s previous best of 94 in those positions.

With Deepti Sharma’s unbeaten hundred and Harmanpreet Kaur’s century powering the innings, India finished on an imposing 328 for six after choosing to bat first.