Indian all-rounder Deepti Sharma revealed they wanted to give their best on every delivery after beating South Africa by 52 runs in the World Cup final against South Africa at Navi Mumbai on Sunday. South African skipper Laura Wolvaardt scored a majestic knock of 101 runs, and the Proteas were in the game as long as she was at the crease.

However, Deepti revealed they wanted to stay calm and take the game deep. The off-spinner accounted for the South African skipper as Amanjot Kaur took a fine running catch. 

Deepti returned with impressive figures of 5-39 in 9.3 overs she bowled. Furthermore, Deepti scored a run-a-ball knock of 58 runs to help India post 298 runs on the board. The all-rounder was awarded Player of the Tournament after she ended as the leading wicket-taker with 22 scalps in nine matches. 

Deepti Sharma said after the match, when she was asked about the discussion when Laura Wolvaardt was batting in the middle, “I think Laura played a very good inning, honestly. But we were not relaxed anywhere. We were very calm. We were always cheering each other up, whenever there was a drinks break. And as a bowling unit, we were talking that we have to go till the last ball. And we have to focus more on our best ball. And we did the same thing.”

Speaking on dealing with challenges, Deepti said she tries to give her best in every department, and she enjoys every bit of it.

Deepti said, “I always enjoy whatever department I’m in. Whatever situation I’m in, because I like challenges. Today, I got the same thing that I had a ball in my hand and bat in hand. I had to play according to that situation. And I enjoyed a lot. And what better moment than this to go on stage and perform as an all-rounder for your team. It can’t be more amazing than this.”

Deepti also scored 215 runs in seven innings of the ODI showpiece and thus delivered with both bat and ball.