ENGW vs INDW: I enjoy playing under pressure, says Deepti Sharma

All-rounder Deepti Sharma, who contributed with bat and ball to oversee India's eight-run win over England women in the second T20I, says she enjoys playing under pressure.

Published : Jul 12, 2021 12:39 IST

Deepti Sharma (right) celebrates after dismissing England's Tammy Beaumont. - GETTY IMAGES

India was down and nearly out when Deepti Sharma came on to bowl the 14th over of the second T20I at Hove on Sunday. Chasing 149, England was 105 for two with two set batters at the crease in Tammy Beaumont and captain Heather Knight, but off-spinning all-rounder Deepti Sharma turned things around for India in that over.

REPORT - India levels series 1-1

She had Beaumont out LBW and off the next ball Knight was run out thanks to Deepti’s fielding off her own bowling. Later at a virtual press conference, she spoke of how crucial that over was in India’s stunning eight-run victory that levelled the three-match series.

“Beaumont’s wicket was crucial for us,” she said. “I was confident that the ball was hitting the stumps (though England went for the DRS). And after that run-out (of Knight), we pulled back.”

AS IT HAPPENED

Deepti had done her bit with the bat too, after India was put in. She made an unbeaten 27 off 24 balls.

“We had a good start and we thought we could even get to 160, but our final score wasn't that bad, as we knew our bowlers could defend it,” she added. “While batting, I found the ball was holding up a bit. The wicket was on the slower side and batting was a bit difficult.”

WATCH - Mithali Raj: Records revisited

Deepti claimed that she enjoyed playing under pressure. “I like to play in pressure situations. As an all-rounder, I always try to contribute as much as I could in any department,” she signed off.