Deepti Sharma wins Best Fielder Medal after India’s 88-run win over Pakistan in the 2025 Women’s World Cup, thanks to her brilliant run-out.
Senior India all-rounder Deepti Sharma maintained her good form of recent times as she won the Best Fielder Medal following India's dominating 88-run win over Pakistan in the 2025 ICC Women's World Cup at the R. Premadasa Stadium on Sunday. It came due to her marvelous fielding performance, with a stunning direct hit to get rid of Pakistan opener Muneeba Ali.
In a moment that perfectly summed up India’s dominance, Deepti Sharma showcased her sharp fielding awareness with a direct hit run-out to dismiss Muneeba Ali. The Pakistan batter, after grounding her bat once, lifted it momentarily while turning back, allowing Deepti’s bullet throw to hit the stumps cleanly a dismissal that shifted momentum firmly in India’s favor.
Deepti accepted her Best Fielder Medal from wicketkeeper-batter Richa Ghosh, who had earlier received the same award following India's first match of the tournament. In a post-match video posted by the BCCI, Deepti said modestly, "God is great," thanking them after the win.
While Deepti’s fielding drew the spotlight, her all-round contribution was equally valuable. She took two crucial wickets, including those of Pakistan’s middle-order batters, and maintained tight lines throughout her spell. Although she only scored three runs off 45 balls, her disciplined approach helped stabilize India’s innings at a critical juncture before they reached a competitive total of 247.
Pakistan, in response, folded for 159, giving India their 12th consecutive ODI win over their arch-rivals. Deepti’s performance once again reinforced her reputation as one of the most dependable all-rounders in world cricket.
Despite India’s overall patchy fielding display, fielding coach Munish Bali lauded the efforts of the senior players, particularly Deepti Sharma, Harmanpreet Kaur, and Smriti Mandhana.
"Shabaash girls, well done. Back-to-back wins six catches and two run-outs, well done. Smriti, well done while under pressure; one good catch and one direct hit great job, Harmanpreet. Deepti, excellent slip catch and great awareness on that run-out. Outstanding effort," Bali said in a post-match interaction.
The blend of experience and calmness from India's seasoned players proved crucial as the team carried out crucial dismissals under pressure.
This total victory elevated India to the number one position on the table in the eight-team Women's World Cup 2025, bolstering their case midway through the tournament. Pakistan, meanwhile, remains at rock bottom, sitting at number six on the table and yet to win a match.
Indian team's next match will be against South Africa at the ACA-VDCA Cricket Stadium in Visakhapatnam on October 9, followed by a high-voltage clash against defending champions Australia on October 12 at the same ground.
