“Seeking a positive conclusion” – Deepti reflects on UPW’s triumphant season finale | Cricbuzz.com

In a memorable conclusion to their campaign, the UP Warriorz secured a 12-run victory against Royal Challengers Bangalore, ending the latter’s title defense in a high-octane match held in Lucknow. This victory came just a day after their own elimination from the tournament, marking the culmination of an otherwise challenging season for the Warriorz. Georgia Voll spearheaded the batting assault with an explosive 99, guiding the team to the highest-ever total in WPL history. Despite a valiant effort from RCB, the target proved insurmountable.

Reflecting on the season, captain Deepti Sharma emphasized the importance of concluding on a high note. “Finishing the tournament positively was crucial for us,” Deepti remarked during the post-match press conference. She appreciated the vibrant atmosphere created by the crowd and acknowledged the team’s determination to end strong despite a rocky start to the season.

The dynamic duo of Georgia Voll and Grace Harris once again set the stage ablaze with their opening partnership, echoing their performance against the Mumbai Indians. Crucially, the Warriorz maintained their momentum even after the partnership was broken, as Voll committed to anchor the innings following Harris’s untimely run out. The support from the middle order was pivotal, a factor that had often eluded UPW in previous matches.

Deepti candidly addressed the fluctuations in the team’s performance. “Winning makes everything appear brighter, while losing accentuates the negatives. Today, we gelled well as a unit, and every player stepped up. This was in stark contrast to our previous encounters, where the middle order faltered,” she explained.

A defining moment of the encounter came with the dismissal of Richa Ghosh, who was threatening to emulate her destructive performance from the season’s opener. Richa’s aggressive 69 off 32 balls was cut short by Deepti, who cleverly exploited the batter’s known vulnerabilities, resulting in a pivotal wicket at deep mid-wicket. “Having played alongside Richa both domestically and internationally, I’m familiar with her game. I trusted my instincts and strategy to contain her,” Deepti elaborated.

Although Deepti’s inaugural season as captain did not yield the desired outcomes, she remains optimistic. Positioned as a successor to seasoned leaders Harmanpreet Kaur and Smriti Mandhana, Deepti embraces the learning curve that comes with leadership responsibilities. “The opportunity to captain the team was invaluable. It demands a heightened level of strategic thinking and decision-making on the field, which I found challenging yet rewarding. The experience has allowed me to identify areas for growth, and I am keen to harness the talent in our squad for future successes,” she asserted.

In sum, Deepti’s reflections highlight her resilience and commitment to evolving as a leader, with an eye towards brighter prospects in forthcoming seasons. “I thrive on challenges and view each match as an opportunity for learning and growth, regardless of the outcome. The pressure of captaincy has never deterred me; instead, it fuels my drive to excel and improve,” she concluded.

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TAGS: Women’s Premier League 2025, UP Warriorz Women, Deepti Sharma

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