BCCI congratulates Indian eves for 'record-breaking spree'
New Delhi: The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has congratulated the Indian women's cricket team for their 'record-breaking spree' in the ongoing Quadrangular Series in South Africa, which included the outstanding performance of openers Deepti Sharma and Punam Raut against Ireland on Sunday. "The Indian women's team are on a record-breaking spree in the Women's Quadrangular Series and I congratulate them for their all-round show. It started with Jhulan Goswami becoming the leading wicket taker in Women's ODIs and today we have witnessed a plethora of records," said BCCI secretary Amitabh Choudhary. "The Indian women's team have not only been consistent in the ongoing series but they have dominated their opposition right from the start. With the ICC Women's World Cup 2017 just around the corner, I am confident that Team India will carry their winning momentum into the big event," he added. Deepti and Punam created history by becoming the first pair to share a 300-run stand in Women's ODIs. In the league match of the Women's Quadrangular Series held at in Senwes Park, Potchefstroom in South Africa on Sunday, the duo added 320 runs for the first wicket in 45.3 overs. It is the first time that the women's ODIs have witnessed a 300 or more runs stand. Deepti scored 188 in 160 balls with the help of 27 boundaries and two sixes. Deepti's inning is now the second highest ODI score in women's cricket and the highest by an Indian batter. India Women put on a massive 358/3 in 50 overs, their highest total in Women's ODIs and then bowled Ireland out for only 109 in 40 overs. The 249-run win is also India Women's biggest victory in ODIs in terms of runs. Earlier in the series, Jhulan went past Cathryn Fitzpatrick, the former Australian bowler against hosts South Africa, to become leading wicket-taker in Women's ODIs. Jhulan took three wickets for only 20 runs and played a key role in India's seven-wicket win over the Proteas. She created the record when she trapped Raisibe Ntozakhe leg-before to register her 181st wicket. With four wins from four matches, India are now the only unbeaten side in the tournament with wins over South Africa, Ireland (twice) and Zimbabwe. The Indian eves are currently on a 16-match winning streak, and are one win away from equalling Australia's record of 17 consecutive ODI wins. —ANI
