India all-rounder Deepti Sharma on Tuesday refused to read much into the lopsided nature of the contests against Ireland in the Women’s ODI series here, saying the visitor has done quite well considering its inexperience and lack of exposure.
India will fancy its chances of completing a clean sweep of the series in the third and final match here on Wednesday, having recorded two convincing wins in the preceding games.
India won by six wickets in the series opener and then broke a slew of records to post its highest-ever total of 370 for five in the second game, which the host won by 116 runs.
“See, firstly, there is no small or big team in cricket. It depends on how you look at it. Obviously, they have not played as many matches as the other teams. They have a different experience,” Deepti said on the eve of the third match.
“They are also doing good. Because, in the two matches they have played, it has been good. And, as a team, we have also done well. They come from a different place, and, they are not able to play as many matches too. That also matters,” the senior India player added.
Newcomer Pratika Rawal has been a revelation at the top of the order, forming a fine partnership with senior opener and stand-in captain Smriti Mandhana. Deepti, a team player to the core, was pleased about Pratika’s performance in her first few matches at this level.
“As a team, whenever we get a good start, it always gets easier for the middle order, for the upcoming batters. It helps us a lot. I think, Pratik is a very good player. And, in the two matches, she has shown a lot of confidence,” she said.
The big totals in the series may have given the impression that the matches are being played on flat decks, but Deepti said the bowlers have also got help from the pitches.
“It is a very good wicket. It is said that a flat track mostly helps the batters. But, I have seen in the two matches, that it was also very good from the bowling point of view. We have worked as a bowling unit,” she said.
Deepti, who has just completed 100 ODIs, said, “I think, obviously, it feels good. Because, I have represented my country 100 times… I have worn that blue jersey so many times. So, I feel very proud.
“The family also feels good when you play 100 games. Even when you play 50 games, it feels good. More than that, it is important for me that I win as many matches as possible. I always keep that in mind.”