In a remarkable display of power hitting and skill, Richa Ghosh etched her name into the annals of cricket history on December 19. During the third and final T20I against the West Indies at the DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai, the young wicketkeeper-batter achieved a stunning feat by scoring a half-century in just 18 balls. This incredible performance not only showcased her immense talent but also contributed to India’s highest-ever total in women’s T20Is.
A fiery start from India after an early strike
The match began with West Indies winning the toss and opting to field first. The Indian innings got off to a rocky start when Uma Chetry was dismissed for a duck in the very first over. However, captain Smriti Mandhana quickly steadied the ship, launching an aggressive counter-attack. Mandhana’s blistering innings of 77 runs off 47 balls set the tone for what was to come. Her explosive batting included 13 fours and a six, as she and Jemimah Rodrigues put together a formidable partnership of 98 runs in just 55 balls, propelling India towards a daunting total.
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Richa Ghosh’s record-breaking blitz
After Mandhana’s departure, Ghosh entered the fray with a clear intent to dominate. She wasted no time in making her mark, hitting a six off her very first ball against Deandra Dottin. Ghosh’s innings was nothing short of sensational; she scored 54 runs off just 21 balls, striking three fours and five sixes. Her aggressive approach not only helped her reach her fifty in record time but also ensured that India posted an imposing total of 217 runs for 4 wickets.
Ghosh’s strike rate of 257.14 is now the highest for an Indian woman in a T20I innings where at least 50 runs were scored, further highlighting her explosive capabilities at the crease. As she reached her fifty with a powerful six in the final over, she joined New Zealand’s Sophie Devine and Australia’s Phoebe Litchfield as the joint holder of the fastest fifty record in women’s T20Is.
🚨 𝗥𝗘𝗖𝗢𝗥𝗗 𝗔𝗟𝗘𝗥𝗧 🚨
5⃣0⃣ in just 1⃣8⃣ balls! 💪 💪
Richa Ghosh creates history! 🔝
She now has the joint-fastest T20I fifty (in women’s cricket) 👏 👏
Live ▶️ https://t.co/Fuqs85UJ9W#TeamIndia | #INDvWI | @IDFCFirstbank pic.twitter.com/YoxIb3NM2E
— BCCI Women (@BCCIWomen) December 19, 2024
India set new benchmarks in the series decider
India’s total of 217/4 not only surpassed their previous highest score of 201/5 against the UAE earlier this year but also marked a new milestone in women’s T20I cricket. The team’s performance was characterized by aggressive batting and strategic partnerships, with contributions from Rodrigues (39 off 28) and Raghvi Bist (31* off 22) rounding out a formidable batting lineup.
The match was not just about individual brilliance; it also reflected India’s growing dominance in women’s cricket. With this victory, India demonstrated their ability to perform under pressure, especially after their disappointing performance in the second T20I where they failed to post a competitive score.
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This article was first published at WomenCricket.com, a Cricket Times company.
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