At a glance
- Deepti Sharma scored a stunning 188 in Potchefstroom
- India posted 358 for 2 against Ireland in 2017
- Deepti Sharma and Punam Raut’s record stand remains historic
On this day in 2017, Indian women’s cricket witnessed a landmark moment that rewrote the record books in spectacular fashion. In Potchefstroom, Deepti Sharma and Punam Raut produced an extraordinary opening partnership against Ireland. That stand remains one of the defining innings in the history of women’s One-Day Internationals.
The pair stitched together a monumental 320-run stand for the first wicket, which became the highest partnership ever recorded in women’s ODI cricket. More remarkably, it was the first triple-century partnership the format had ever seen. Ireland’s inexperienced side could muster only 109 in reply as India stormed to a crushing 249-run victory. View the full scorecard here.
Deepti Sharma’s unforgettable 188 lit up Potchefstroom
At the heart of the historic performance was a fearless display from teenage sensation Deepti Sharma. Just 19 at the time, the young opener transformed her maiden international century into an unforgettable masterclass.
Deepti hammered 188 from 160 balls with a stunning 27 boundaries. That itself was a world record for the most fours in a women’s ODI innings. Her score stood as the second-highest individual total in the format, behind only Belinda Clark’s iconic unbeaten 229 at the 1997 Women’s World Cup.
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India’s opening pair shattered ODI records
Raut played the perfect supporting role with a composed unbeaten century of her own as the duo carried India to 358 for 2 in 50 overs.
Together they dismantled the Irish attack with elegant strokeplay and relentless precision. They turned what began as a routine group-stage contest into a day of cricketing history.
The 320-run partnership eclipsed every previous stand in women’s ODI cricket and immediately became one of the sport’s defining statistical milestones.
Deepti Sharma and Punam Raut’s record partnership signalled a new era
Speaking to ESPNcricinfo after the match, former India captain and ex-BCCI women’s selection chairperson Shanta Rangaswamy described the achievement as a defining moment for the women’s game in India.
“It was a tremendous achievement for Indian women’s cricket and the timing could not have been better. Deepti had already shown maturity beyond her years and this innings confirmed the enormous potential she carried.”
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The innings also highlighted India’s growing depth during a period when the side was evolving beyond its reliance on captain Mithali Raj. With regular opener Smriti Mandhana absent through injury, Deepti seized her opportunity and arrived on the world stage with authority.
India’s rise gathered momentum before the World Cup
Raut meanwhile reinforced her reputation as one of India’s most dependable batters in the longer formats of the game. Known for her calm presence at the crease and sharp work in the field, she continued to strengthen her case ahead of the Women’s World Cup later that year.
Rangaswamy also told ESPNcricinfo that Raut’s technique and temperament made her a valuable asset in English conditions ahead of the global tournament.
“For one-day cricket and Test cricket, Punam is a big asset to the Indian team. In England, where the ball will swing and bounce more, Punam’s presence there will definitely benefit the team’s batting.”
India entered the match riding a wave of momentum. The victory extended their winning streak to 16 consecutive ODI wins, leaving them just one short of Australia’s world record at the time.
Yet beyond the statistics, the partnership in Potchefstroom symbolised something bigger. It was a statement that Indian women’s cricket was entering a bold new era. One driven by fearless young talent and growing confidence on the global stage.
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