New Delhi, 23 August (H.S.):

Opener Shivi Sharma, who played a key role in North Delhi Strikers’ 10-run victory over South Delhi Superstarz in their second match of the Women’s Delhi Premier League (DPL) 2026, said her focus is on taking one game at a time and delivering her best in every match.

North Delhi Strikers secured their second consecutive victory in the Women’s DPL 2026 by defeating South Delhi Superstarz by 10 runs. Sharma was instrumental in the win, scoring an unbeaten 71 off 54 balls, including nine boundaries.

Reflecting on her batting performance, Sharma said there was little difference between her approach in this match and the previous one. She explained that while the previous game involved chasing a target, she played according to the merit of each delivery. With North Delhi setting a target this time, the priority was to score as many runs as possible for the team.

“I just wanted to play according to the situation,” Sharma said.

Speaking about the pitch, the young batter said the wickets had been good for batting and that she believed playing each delivery on its merit allowed her to perform at her best, whether her team was chasing a target or setting one.

Sharma also spoke about her early interest in sports and how she eventually took up cricket seriously. She said she had always been interested in sports and played several games, including cricket and football. She also regularly played street cricket and football with boys.

Her physical education teachers encouraged her to join an academy for whichever sport she enjoyed. After changing schools, she participated in an inter-house girls’ cricket match, where she hit several sixes. Her performance prompted her teachers to encourage her to join a cricket academy.

Sharma said her existing interest in sports grew further once she began taking cricket seriously, eventually helping her progress to the professional level.

In the match, North Delhi Strikers, batting first, posted 141 for four in 20 overs. Sharma remained unbeaten on 71 from 54 deliveries, while Upasana Yadav scored 43 off 42 balls and captain Ayushi Soni contributed 17.

South Delhi Superstarz made a poor start while chasing 142. Nishika Singh was dismissed for a duck in the opening over. Priya Punia and Tanishqa Singh then added 36 runs, but Punia departed for 10.

Tanishqa Singh fought hard with 46 off 44 balls, hitting six boundaries, and put together an important partnership with captain Shweta Sehrawat, who scored 27 from 23 deliveries. Tanisha Singh remained unbeaten on 24 from 19 balls, while Disha Nagar finished unbeaten on nine from six.

Despite their efforts, South Delhi Superstarz could manage only 131 for five in their allotted 20 overs, handing North Delhi a 10-run victory.

The victory gave North Delhi Strikers their second win in two matches and moved them to the top of the Women’s DPL 2026 points table with four points.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar