Richa Ghosh’s Stunning 94 Powers India to 251 After Top-Order Collapse Against South Africa
India recovered from a top-order collapse to post a competitive 251 against South Africa, thanks to a blistering 94 from Richa Ghosh at No.8 — the highest score ever recorded at that position in women’s ODIs.
At 102 for 6, India looked in deep trouble after a double-strike from South Africa’s left-arm spinners Nonkululeko Mlaba and Chloe Tryon. But Ghosh turned the tide with an aggressive counter-attack, smashing 11 fours and four sixes in a 104-ball innings that also included an 88-run stand with Sneh Rana for the eighth wicket.
South Africa's Early Dominance
South Africa had the upper hand early in the game. After India’s openers put on 55 in the first 10 overs, Mlaba struck in her first over to dismiss Smriti Mandhana, who had earlier become the leading run-scorer in a calendar year in ODIs, surpassing Belinda Clarke.
Mandhana’s dismissal triggered a collapse. Mlaba bowled Harleen Deol with a ripping delivery, while Tryon removed Jemimah Rodrigues and Harmanpreet Kaur cheaply. India lost six wickets for just 47 runs between the 10th and 25th overs.
Ghosh Takes Charge
With the innings in disarray, Ghosh played the rescue act. After narrowly avoiding being caught and bowled by Kapp early in her innings, she began to assert herself, hitting Tryon, Mlaba, and Sekhukhune for boundaries and sixes.
A steady hand from Amanjot Kaur (23) helped stabilize the innings further, before she was dismissed with 10 overs remaining. From there, Ghosh accelerated brilliantly, reaching her half-century in 53 balls and taking India to 251 despite two dropped chances — one by de Klerk at long-on and another by Bosch at deep mid-wicket.
She was finally dismissed for 94 in the final over but had done enough to drag India from the brink to a strong position. Her effort also ensured India scored 98 runs in the last 10 overs, after managing just 98 in the middle 30.
Missed Opportunities for South Africa
South Africa will rue their missed chances and failure to capitalize on their early dominance. Despite Mlaba (2 for 46) and Tryon causing major problems with the ball, the team faltered at the death with poor fielding and ineffective bowling changes — including holding Mlaba back too late into the innings.
South Africa's chase will now require a disciplined and aggressive batting performance to chase down a tricky total under pressure.
Match Summary
India – 251 all out (Richa Ghosh 94, Sneh Rana 31; Mlaba 2-46, Tryon 2-49)
South Africa – yet to bat