Deepti Sharma Credits Rishabh Pant After Smashing Viral One-Handed Sixer in England
Southampton – India’s women’s cricket team, riding high after a 3-2 T20I series win in England, started their ODI campaign in style with a 1-0 lead in the three-match series. In the opening ODI on Wednesday, India defeated England under the captaincy of Nat Sciver-Brunt, thanks to a match-winning knock from Deepti Sharma, who was later named Player of the Match.
Chasing a challenging target of 259 runs, India’s innings was anchored by Deepti’s unbeaten 62 off 64 balls, including three fours and a massive six — the only six hit in the entire match across both teams. That powerful six, struck with a one-handed follow-through, has gone viral on social media.
What made it even more special was Deepti’s post-match revelation, where she credited Rishabh Pant as her inspiration for the unique shot.
“I’ve practiced the one-handed shot extensively in the nets. I learned it by watching Rishabh Pant play those kinds of strokes,” Deepti said.
The six came during a crucial 90-run partnership off 86 balls for the fifth wicket with Jemimah Rodrigues (48 off 54 balls, 5 fours). The stand tilted the match decisively in India’s favor and proved too much for England to recover from.
The shot itself — a clean one-handed loft over deep mid-wicket — drew cheers from both fans and commentators. Given the context and execution, it has already become one of the visual highlights of India’s England tour.
Reflecting on the conditions, Deepti added:
“We’ve played in England before, and we really enjoy the atmosphere and weather here.”
The second ODI will be played on Saturday, July 19 at Lord’s, with the match scheduled to start at 3:30 PM IST.
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