Not a dead rubber, we're looking to learn further: Deepti Sharma
Not a dead rubber, we're looking to learn further: Deepti Sharma
NEW DELHI: Senior all-rounder Deepti Sharma stated on Saturday that India will not treat their final women's ODI against South Africa as inconsequential, despite having secured the series with a 2-0 lead. India aim to build on their successes from the previous matches as they head into the one-off Test in Chennai later in the week.
India has achieved a commanding position in the series with victories by 143 runs and four runs in the first two matches. Deepti underscored the team's commitment to using the final match as a learning opportunity rather than viewing it as merely academic.
"Yes, we have won the series but we will not approach this match as one of academic interest. We look to learn from whatever opportunities we get, as we will be going into the one-off Test (in Chennai) later this week," said Deepti, as quoted by PTI, in the pre-match press meet in Bengaluru.
In the first match, Deepti demonstrated her all-around capabilities by contributing a crucial 37 runs that helped India recover from a precarious position of 99 for five. Additionally, she took two key wickets, showcasing her ability to handle high-pressure situations.
"I love to tackle pressure situations. My thought process is very clear. I always want to make the team win or place the team in a winning position whether it is with my batting or bowling," added Deepti.
In both matches, the Indian top-order initially made slow starts but managed to pick up momentum in the later phases. Deepti emphasized the adaptability of the Indian batters throughout the series.
"The openers played as per the conditions. The ball was moving around a little bit in the initial overs, and they played within themselves. They adapted well. After 10-12 overs, we built some good partnerships. They used every scoring opportunity in that area and that's a positive for us – the way we capitalized later on," said Deepti.
Fielding has also been a focal point for the Indian team, with noticeable improvements in this area. Deepti highlighted the impact of a brilliant catch by Pooja Vastrakar, which helped shift the momentum in the second ODI.
"We have improved as a fielding unit. You can see that wonderful catch by Pooja (Vastrakar to dismiss centurion Marizanne Kapp). It shifted the momentum for us (in the second ODI) and we are further working on our fielding as a unit," said Deepti.
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