Looking Back: Deepti Sharma & Punam Raut's 320-Run Historic Partnership

Seven years ago, on May 15, 2017, Deepti Sharma and Punam Raut, two pillars of the Indian women's cricket team, achieved a feat that would carve their names into cricketing history. Their partnership, fueled by skill, resilience, and determination, not only shattered records by securing the highest-ever opening stand in the 50-over format but also served as an inspiration for aspiring cricketers worldwide. This momentous occasion unfolded during India's clash against Ireland in Potchefstroom, South Africa.

Sharma and Raut's extraordinary collaboration yielded a formidable 320-run partnership, propelling India to a commanding total of 352 runs with just two wickets down.

The Record-Breaking Partnership

India's ace opener, Smriti Mandhana, found herself sidelined from the quadrangular series against South Africa and Zimbabwe due to an injury sustained during the 2017 Women’s Big Bash League (WBBL). With Mandhana out of contention, the responsibility of setting the tone at the top fell upon the capable shoulders of  Sharma and Raut.

In the initial matches of the series against Ireland, South Africa, and Zimbabwe, the duo showcased remarkable prowess at the crease, contributing significantly to India's victories. In the rematch against Ireland, Indian skipper Mithali Raj opted to bat first after winning the toss.  Sharma and Raut initiated the innings with composure, steadily accumulating runs through singles, doubles, and occasional boundaries.

What transpired on the field that day was nothing short of magical. Sharma and Raut, with their impeccable technique and focus, stitched together a partnership of monumental proportions, redefining the boundaries of what was deemed possible in women's cricket. As they deftly manoeuvred the ball around the field, accumulating runs with precision and panache, they not only showcased their batting prowess but also demonstrated the power of unity in the face of adversity.

Raut reached her half-century in the 24th over, while Sharma followed suit, dispatching three boundaries off Rachel Delaney to notch up her fifty in the 26th over. Sharma's innings escalated, culminating in a splendid century off 126 deliveries, with Raut matching her partner's feat in the same over.

However, fate intervened unexpectedly as Sharma departed at 188 runs, having amassed an impressive 27 boundaries and two sixes in her 166-ball innings. Shortly after,  Raut suffered an unfortunate injury while completing a single, forcing her to retire at 119 runs. Despite this setback, Shikha Pandey contributed a quickfire 27 runs.

Although adversity struck with  Raut's injury, the Indian team's strength shone through as they banded together to secure a resounding victory amidst the euphoria of their record-breaking partnership.