Shivi Sharma packs punch as North Delhi Strikers romp to nine-wicket win

New Delhi: Few players can hit the ball as hard as Shivi Sharma in Delhi women's cricket. The 21-year-old North Delhi Strikers batter, who represents Chand Khanna Club in Delhi's T20 cricket, on Friday afternoon showed why she is rated highly.

The right-hander smashed an unbeaten 57 off 43 balls (8x4s, 1x6) as North Delhi Strikers romped home to a nine-wicket win over East Delhi Riders in their opening encounter of the Women's Delhi Premier League at the Arun Jaitley Stadium.

The target wasn't much as the team as North Delhi Strikers restricted East Delhi for just 101/8 in 20 overs. It was a struggle for the East Delhi batters as they struggled to score freely. Nazma Khan (2/15) and Reshika Beniwal (2/25) were the most successful bowlers for the Strikers.

In response, North Delhi Strikers made short work of the target as they reached 105/1 in 14.5 overs. They lost Upasana Yadav early but Shivi and No. 3 Archana (38 not out off 32 balls) saw the team to victory. Shivi was more severe on the bowlers as she went ballistic, playing some great strokes including straight drives.

"I have been training for the last 3-4 years. Our trainer helps us a lot. Diet and recovery, everything is taken care of in the plan. Practice also helps."

Shivi scored three successive centuries in DDCA T20 League that concluded in the DPL prior to Delhi Premier League (DPL).

"I wanted to dominate. My favourite stroke was the backfoot punch to the left-arm spinner. Also, the six [which came close to the target and was hit over long off]."

Shivi said that the atmosphere in the team is very good and that they are hoping to continue with the wins.

"I am hoping that this is my breakthrough season. Hopefully, with God's grace I will be able to make it big."

Tags : Shivi Sharma, Upasana Yadav, Nazma Khan, Archana, Reshika Beniwal, DPL, Delhi Premier League