Richa Ghosh showcased a spectacular performance in India’s second Women’s Asia Cup 2024 encounter against the UAE, held at the Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium. The wicketkeeper-batter smashed an unbeaten 64 runs off just 29 balls, hitting 12 fours and a six. Her innings propelled India to their first-ever 200-plus total in Women’s T20I cricket, finishing at 201/5 in 20 overs.
At 20 years and 297 days, Ghosh became the youngest Indian wicketkeeper-batter to hit a T20I fifty, surpassing Rishabh Pant’s record set at 21 years and 206 days in 2019. Additionally, she became the first wicketkeeper-batter to score a half-century in Women’s Asia Cup history. This was her maiden T20I half-century, taking her tally to 824 runs from 52 matches at an average of 28.41 and a strike rate of 138.48.
Reflecting on her performance, Ghosh expressed her joy: “Really happy. When I’m playing with Harry di, she guides me about how the ball is coming on. When the opportunity comes to me, I want to just deliver what I know and what I’m practicing. First four from the cover drive was the favorite moment. Yeah, I’m feeling good (recovery from concussion).”
India registered a comprehensive 78-run win against the UAE, virtually securing their spot in the semi-finals. Harmanpreet Kaur’s team restricted the UAE to 123/7, with Deepti Sharma contributing significantly with figures of 2/23 in her four overs.
Earlier in the day, Harmanpreet Kaur also made headlines by surpassing Smriti Mandhana to become India’s highest run-getter in Women’s T20Is. The Indian captain scored a blistering 66 off 47 balls, featuring in a crucial 75-run partnership with Richa Ghosh. This partnership was instrumental in India’s commanding total and was a highlight of the match.
With two wins from two games in Group A and an impressive net run rate of 3.298, India is in a strong position as they prepare for their final group match against Nepal on Tuesday, July 23. This victory against the UAE not only demonstrated the depth and strength of the Indian women’s cricket team but also highlighted the emerging talent of players like Richa Ghosh, who continue to break records and set new benchmarks in the sport.
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