In an amazing display of striking power and skill, Richa Ghosh wrote his name in cricket history on December 19. In the third and final T20I against West Indies at the DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai, the young wicketkeeper-batsman achieved his feat by scoring a half-century in just 18 balls. This outstanding performance not only showcased her immense talent but also helped India become the most successful women's T20Is.
The start of fire from India after initial neglect
The match started with West Indies winning the toss and electing to field first. India's innings got off to an inauspicious start Uma Chetry released in the first year ago. Anyway, captain Smriti Mandhana quickly backed up the ship, starting aggressive counter-attack. Mandhana's 77 from 47 balls set the tone for what was to come. His explosive innings included 13 fours and sixes, as he is Jemimah Rodrigues put together a terrific partnership of 98 runs in just 55 balls, to advance India to an alarming number.
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Richa Ghosh's record breaking blitz
After Mandhana left, Ghosh entered the fray with an aim to dominate. He was quick to make his mark, hitting a six off his first ball Deandra Dottin. Ghosh's placement was not pleasant; he scored 54 runs off just 21 balls, hitting three fours and five fives. His aggressive performance not only helped him reach his fifty in the long over but also ensured that India scored 217 runs for four 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 have been scored, further demonstrating her explosive potential in the field. When he reached fifty-six years of strength in the last hour, he entered New Zealand Sophie Devine and Australia Phoebe Litchfield as the joint record holder for the fastest fifty in women's T20Is.
🚨 𝗥𝗘𝗖𝗢𝗥𝗗 𝗔𝗟𝗘𝗥𝗧 🚨
5⃣0⃣ in only 1⃣8⃣ balls! 💪 💪
Richa Ghosh creates history! 🔝
She now has the 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 has set new benchmarks in the selection process
India's total of 217/4 was just short of their previous score of 201/5 against UAE earlier this year and I also took a new interest in women's T20I cricket. The team's performance was marked by strong batting and skillful collaboration, with contributions from Rodrigues (39 from 28) and Raghvi Bist (31* off 22) and produced a formidable batting line-up.
These games were not just about intelligence; it also marked the rise of India in women's cricket. With this victory, India showed 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 originally published on WomenCricket.coma Cricket Times company.