Deepti Sharma ended a long wait for an ODI century on Sunday, October 25, 2026. She scored an unbeaten 106 against Zimbabwe in Vadodara. Her innings helped India win by 121 runs and take an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match series.
The 29-year-old reached her second ODI hundred after nine years and five months. Her first came against South Africa in May 2017, when she scored an unbeaten 188 off 160 balls.
Deepti smashed 15 boundaries during her latest knock. She helped India post 328 for 9 after the team had lost some early wickets.
However, Deepti said the century was not her main focus. She was more concerned about building a strong partnership with Harmanpreet Kaur.
“I believed in my hard work that I would get it sooner or later. And I think more than the 100, what was on my mind was how we can build a partnership in that situation. So that was it,” Deepti said in the post-match press conference as quoted by The Hindu.
Deepti praises Harmanpreet for crucial partnership
India were in trouble after losing early wickets. Deepti and Harmanpreet then took control of the innings. The pair added 153 runs for the fifth wicket, setting a new record for India at that position.
“Because we lost early wickets after Pratika (Rawal) and Harry di’s (Harmanpreet Kaur) partnership. That was the mindset and obviously the 100 is special. And it’s been a long time since I came here (Vadodara), so it feels good,” said Deepti.
Harmanpreet scored a brilliant 126 off 121 balls. She was named Player of the Match.
“She (Harmanpreet) was looking very relaxed and composed. She was playing on merit. And she was looking very good at that time. And when I went in, I thought that we have to build a partnership,” said Deepti.
Deepti said she focused on attacking loose deliveries.
“…whatever balls were coming in my radar, I was trying to convert them into a boundary,” said Deepti.
She also credited the entire Indian team for the win.
“…I think all the bowlers did a good job. In fact, the whole team gave a good performance,” said Deepti.
Deepti said she avoided thinking about the century while batting.
“The more you think, the more you can’t work. So, whenever I go to the pitch, I play according to the situation. When I went to bat, I didn’t think about 100 or 50. I just wanted to play till the last ball and take the team to a good total. This was my mindset,” said Deepti.
