India’s opening pair Deepti Sharma and Punam Raut set a world record for the highest opening partnership in one-day international matches across women’s and men’s cricket on Monday.
Opening the batting for India in their match against Ireland in Potchefstroom, Deepti and Raut managed to put on 320 runs for the first wicket – which is also a record partnership for any wicket in women’s ODIs.
Off the back of the brilliant opening stand, India ended with 358-2 in their 50 overs, which is the highest total ever posted by the Indian women’s team in a 50-over innings.
Wow! Deepti Sharma and Poonam Raut put on 320 for the 1st wicket against Ireland. Super show and wish you many more! #IndianWomen'sCricket
— Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) May 15, 2017
Deepti dominated the partnership as she scored 188 from just 160 deliveries in a knock which included 27 fours and two sixes. The teenager’s score of 188 is, in fact, the second highest individual score in an innings in a women’s ODI.
That feat is only bettered by Australia’s Belinda Clark, who hit an unbeaten 229 against Denmark in 1997.
On the other hand, Raut hit 11 boundaries before she retired hurt after scoring 109 from 116 deliveries.
India would go on to win the match by 249 runs to register their fourth successive victory in the Women’s Quadrangular Series that also includes South Africa and Zimbabwe.
