By When Richa Ghosh walked into bat in Dambulla on Sunday against the UAE, India’s score was 106/4 in the 12th over. Batting entry point in T20 cricket is crucial, and for India’s sake, the young wicketkeeper couldn’t have asked for better timing. With eight overs left and a solid foundation despite losing three wickets in the powerplay, Ghosh capitalized on her brilliance opportunity.
Ghosh delivered a blistering 64 off 29 balls, embellished by 12 fours and a six, finishing with a stunning strike-rate of 220.68. Her innings was critical in powering India to 201/5 – the first time they crossed 200 in women’s T20Is – leading to a comfortable 78-run win, backing up their thumping brilliance victory against Pakistan.
Off-Side Brilliance Powers India to Record 201/5
The highlight of Ghosh’s knock was her off-side strokeplay. From the moment she hit her first four, she kept peppering that side as UAE bowlers offered her the width to free her arms. Her second boundary was pure brilliance power, muscling a six over extra cover off Kavisha Egodage in the next over.
Ghosh’s innings reached another gear in the 15th over, punishing UAE captain Esha Oza with a series of boundaries. Despite running out her captain Harmanpreet Kaur in the last over, Ghosh maintained her rhythm, smashing the remaining deliveries for fours and taking India to their highest total in this format.
