Deeksha, Monika hit tons as Delhi U23 Women reach quarters sans blemish

Delhi ended the group stage of their Women’s Under-23 T20 Trophy with a clean slate, winning five out of five matches to enter the quarterfinals.

The Delhi team, led by Shivi Sharma, powered to a 159-run win over Mizoram in the final group game at Keenan Stadium in Jamshedpur on Sunday to finish top of Group B with five wins from five matches.

The team management tried a new opening combination promoting hard-hitting batter Monika, who idolises Hardik Pandya, to the top of the batting order. Both Monika and Deeksha scored centuries as Delhi reached 220 without loss in their 20 overs.

Mizoram were bowled out for 61 in 17.2 overs. Riya Kondal took 4/7.

“There is a great atmosphere within the team, the management supported and trusted us as openers. That was the key point behind our performance,” said Deeksha to www.thedelhijunction.com after her 100 not out off 58 balls that included 15 fours.

Deeksha and Monika hit centuries on Sunday

Deeksha learned to play cricket not just in India but in countries like England and South Africa too as she had to move along with her father employed with the Ministry of External Affairs.

“I practiced cricket in different countries and cities. In 2021, I decided to set base here and started playing for Delhi and got into the under-19 team,” said the 20-year-old Deeksha, who idolises Virat Kohli and is pursuing a BA Programme at the Gargi College, where she also trains at the RP Academy.

The right-handed batter loves to play the lofted shot straight down the ground.

Monika says she was nervous initially.

“This was the first time I was opening so I was a bit nervous. After overcoming the initial challenge, I got into the groove and started playing shots,” said Monika, who is also 20 and trains at Remal Public School in Rohini, Sector-3.

She is currently studying at the Capital’s Jesus and Mary College and loves to play the pull shot. Monika is known for her strong shots a la Hardik Pandya and is a ‘gun fielder’ according to coach Deepti Dhyani.

“The group stage was good. Everybody chipped in with good performances which is why the team did well,” said a happy coach Deepti.

Due to their spotless performance in the group stage, Delhi have got a bye to the quarterfinal which they will play on January 18 in Trivandrum, Kerala. They will face the winner of a pre-quarterfinal.

Tags : Delhi cricket, Women’s Under-23 T20 Trophy, Gargi College, Jesus and Mary College, Monika, Deeksha, Deepti Dhyani, Ministry of External Affairs