India Women’s all-format vice-captain Smriti Mandhana is set to begin her new journey in the Women’s Big Bash League (WBBL). 

Smriti Mandhana has been included in the 13-member Adelaide Strikers’ squad for the upcoming WBBL 2024/25 match against the hosts Brisbane Heat. Gabba will host this match on Saturday (November 9).

Mandhana wasn’t available for the early period of the new WBBL season due to national team commitment, as they hosted New Zealand Women in the three-match WODI series. While India Women won the series by 2-1, Smriti Mandhana scored a match-winning century (100) in the series finale. 

Smriti Mandhana has great WBBL records

It will be Mandhana’s fourth season at the WBBL. The left-handed opening batter has scored 784 runs in 38 WBBL matches with an average of 24.50 and a strike rate of 130.01. She has also taken three wickets. 

Mandhana scored 89 runs in 12 matches for Brisbane Heat Women during her first WBBL season (2016/17).    

Mandhana’s next WBBL experience was in the 2018/19 season, where the Hobart Hurricanes Women’s batter scored 318 runs in 13 matches with an average of 24.46 and a strike rate of 144.54, including two half-centuries. She was the second-most run-scorer for her team in that season.  

Mandhana’s last WBBL season was the 2021/22 season, where the Sydney Thunders Women’s batter scored 377 runs in 13 games with an average of 34.27 and a strike rate of 130.44, including one century and two half-centuries. The left-handed batter was the leading run-scorer for her team in that season. 

Against Melbourne Renegades Women, Mandhana scored 114 not out in the 2021/22 season, which is the second-highest score in the WBBL history. While it was the highest individual score at that time, Brisbane Heat Women’s Grace Harris broke the record with her 136 not out against Perth Scorchers Women in October 2023. 

Mandhana is going to be a key name for Adelaide Strikers Women

Now, Mandhana is set to make her debut for Adelaide Strikers Women. Strikers are in the last place in the WBBL 2024/25 points table with only two points. In their first four games of the season, Strikers Women won once and lost three other matches.

We’re thrilled to have Smriti Mandhana joining the squad and to see Bridget Patterson back in action as we face the Heat tomorrow night at the Gabba! 🔥 pic.twitter.com/gADJG5vrSD

— Adelaide Strikers (@StrikersBBL) November 8, 2024

In a thrilling finale at Ahmedabad, India Women clinched the ODI series 2-1 against New Zealand with a resounding 6-wicket victory. Winning the toss, New Zealand chose to bat but struggled to gain momentum, with the Indian bowlers striking early to leave the visitors at a precarious 88/5. Georgia Plimmer held on with a modest 39, but it was Brooke Halliday’s resilience that defined New Zealand’s innings. Battling the heat, Halliday smashed a career-best 86 off 96 balls, reviving the innings alongside Isabella Gaze (25) in a crucial 64-run stand for the sixth wicket. Late fireworks from Lea Tahuhu (24* off 14) pushed New Zealand’s total to 232 before they were bowled out in 49.5 overs, with Deepti Sharma starring for India with figures of 3/39.

India’s chase was built on a classy century from vice-captain Smriti Mandhana, who scored a commanding 100 off 122 balls. Despite losing Shafali Verma early, Mandhana and Yastika Bhatia added 76 for the second wicket, laying a solid foundation. Mandhana then combined forces with skipper Harmanpreet Kaur in a 117-run stand, showcasing her experience and registering her 8th ODI ton. Though Mandhana fell after her century, Kaur remained steady, steering the team home with an unbeaten 59. Jemimah Rodrigues’s quick cameo added finishing touches, sealing India’s victory in the 45th over and completing a memorable series win.

See Also: In what ways has Rohit Sharma's form in Test cricket fluctuated over recent series?

Breakdown of Smriti Mandhana's Century 

In the third ODI match against New Zealand, Smriti Mandhana showcased her adaptability and prowess against varied bowling attacks, leading India’s successful chase with a match-winning performance. Facing a mixture of left-arm orthodox, right-arm medium, and right-arm offbreak bowlers, Mandhana’s innings reflected her tactical adjustments to each style. Her calculated approach and range of shots made her the backbone of India’s chase, setting up the win that sealed the ODI series.

Mandhana started steadily against the left-arm orthodox bowlers, collecting 18 runs from 20 balls at a strike rate of 90. Though she didn’t hit any half-centuries or boundaries in this phase, she still found gaps for singles and doubles, showing her footwork and timing against spin. With 40% dot balls, she maintained a watchful approach while ensuring the scoreboard kept ticking, allowing her to build a foundation early in the innings.

The most significant portion of her runs came against the right-arm medium bowlers, where she truly dominated. She scored 65 off 66 balls, striking at 98.5, with eight boundaries to her name. This phase saw Mandhana shift gears, capitalizing on the pace and using her powerful drives to find the fence consistently. Even though she lost her wicket twice to the medium-pacers, she ensured that India remained in a strong position, and her sole half-century of the innings highlighted her control over this bowling style.

Against the right-arm offbreak bowlers, Mandhana demonstrated a more conservative approach, scoring 25 off 42 balls at a strike rate of 59.5. With 50% dot balls, she carefully maneuvered around spin, focusing on preserving her wicket and rotating the strike. This phase of her innings reflected her maturity, as she balanced aggression with caution to avoid unnecessary risks, aware of the need to anchor India’s chase.

By the time Mandhana was dismissed, she had already laid a solid platform, leaving minimal work for the lower order. Her ability to handle different bowling types with both caution and aggression underscored her experience and value as a top-order batter. This well-crafted knock not only earned her personal accolades but also secured India’s series win, with Mandhana further establishing herself as a dependable finisher in crucial matches.

See Also: Sydney Sixers Edge Past Melbourne Renegades with Ellyse Perry's Match-Winning Knock

India Women won the home WODI series against New Zealand Women after the home batters dominantly chased the 233-run target in the third WODI. While most of the Indian batters performed well, opener and vice-captain Smriti Mandhana recorded the highest WODI centuries by an India Women's batter. 

New Zealand Women scored 232 runs after winning the toss. In reply, India Women comfortably chased the target in 45.2 overs after losing four wickets. India Women won the three-match WODI series by 2-1. 

New Zealand Women had a weak start

New Zealand Women were struggling at 36/3 as Suzie Bates (4), Lauren Down (1), and captain Sophie Devine (9) lost their wickets in the single-digit scores. Although Georgia Plimmer and Brooke Halliday set a 30-run partnership for the fourth wicket to stabilise the innings, Plimmer was out on 39 off 67 balls with six fours. 

Brooke Halliday was the star in the first innings

While the middle-order batters were battling, Brooke Halliday was batting strongly on the other end. After completing her half-century in 72 balls, she batted aggressively to move the scoreboard faster. Her 86 off 96 balls guided New Zealand Women to set a challenging target for the hosts. Isabella Gaze (25) and Lea Tahuhu (24 not out off 14) also had some useful cameos. 

Deepti Sharma took three wickets

Among the Indian bowlers, Deepti Sharma (3/39) took three wickets and Priya Mishra (2/41) bagged two wickets. Also, Renuka Singh (1/49) and Saima Thakor (1/44) picked up one wicket each. 

Smriti Mandhana and Yastika Bhatia controlled the starting period

In reply, India Women lost the opener Shafali Verma very early, as she was dismissed after scoring 12 on 11 balls. However, another opener Smriti Mandhana finally found her form, while Yastika Bhatia provided solid support from the other end. Mandhana and Bhatia had a crucial 76-run partnership for the second wicket, which put the game in the hosts' favour.

Smriti Mandhana and Harmanpreet Kaur set a solid partnership

After the skipper Sophie Devine dismissed Bhatia for 35 runs, India Women dominated with Mandhana and captain Harmanpreet Kaur's third wicket partnership. The visitors failed to control the run flow as the hosts were comfortably chasing the target.

Mandhana and Kaur had a 117-run partnership for the third wicket. After completing her 50 runs in 73 balls, Mandhana completed her eighth WODI century in 121 balls. On the other hand, Kaur completed her half-century in 54 balls. 

Mandhana was dismissed after scoring 100 off 122 balls with 10 fours. Jemimah Rodrigues was in a hurry in the chasing as she scored 22 off 18 balls before losing her wicket on the scores level. Kaur ultimately finished the game with a fantastic four as she was not out on 59 runs off 63 balls with six fours. 

Mandhana broke Mithali Raj's record and reached the world record

By surpassing Mithali Raj's seventh WODI century, Mandhana set a new record for the most WODI centuries by an Indian cricketer with eight centuries. 

It was Mandhana's third WODI century at home, and she scored all these centuries in 2024. While she is the first Indian to score three WODI centuries in a calendar year, she also holds the joint record for most WODI centuries in a calendar year. Mandhana became the eighth player to record three WODI centuries in a calendar year. 

The 2024 Women's T20 World Cup has ended on a high note, with New Zealand being the triumphant side as they got their hands on its first-ever tournament title. This league has seen the clash of the best ten teams across the women's cricket ecosystem.

But, this edition has seen some shocking, unpleasing performances from those campaigners who have been promising in the long run. After a dismal streak of game display, here's the Flop Playing XI of the 2024 Women's T20 World Cup. 

1.Smriti Mandhana (India)

Smriti Mandhana, the flamboyant left-handed opener from India, had a forgettable tournament. After leading the Royal Challengers Bengaluru squad to their first Women's Premier League title, many expected she could apply the same calibre in this intense tournament. But scoring a mere 75 runs in four innings with one half-century to her name, the No.5 batter wasn't up to the mark and was criticized for her timid approach throughout this forgettable T20 World Cup.

2. Chamari Athapathatu (Sri Lanka) 

Chamari Athapathatu was prominent in the recent timelines of the Women's Cricket forum. Leading her side to win the Women's T20 World Cup Qualifiers and the Asia Cup, everyone had higher expectations from her to perform aggressively with her bat and captaincy. She has made 27 runs in just four matches, which didn't help convert her heroic run in this tournament.

3. Harmanpreet Kaur (India) (Captain)

Though Harmanpreet Kaur has been pretty good with the willow and made some crucial runs by scoring 150 runs at an average of 150 in just four games, the Indian captain did display a disappointing stint as a captain. Primarily due to unclear decision-making, lack of communication and mediocre lead-up to the emerging players, which attributed Kaur to be the captain for this Flop Playing XI of the tournament.

4. Heather Knight (England)

Heather Knight was one of the players to check out from the English side, thanks to her associations with the team for quite a long period of time. Being a reliable all-rounder, she couldn't convert it into crucial runs and wickets during the recent tournament. Knight scored just 27 runs in four matches, summing up her poor outing in the competitive league.   

5. Jemimah Rodrigues (India)

Jemimah Rodrigues, another Indian player on the women's World Cup flop list, had a perplexing campaign in which her batting position was never established. She was shifted up and down the order throughout the tournament, scoring only 68 runs in 4 innings.

6. Marizanne Kapp (South Africa)

Marizanne Kapp had a dismal campaign with the bat and the ball as South Africa advanced to the final. Kapp scored just 90 runs in six innings. Prominent for her lethal and hostile pace, Kapp took just a mere five wickets in six games. Kapp's poor performance was a significant factor in South Africa's defeat in the final.

Also Read: Women's T20 World Cup 2024: Best Playing XI of the Tournament

7. Richa Ghosh (India) (Wicketkeeper)

Richa Ghosh was expected to perform admirably for India with the bat and behind the stumps, but she performed horribly. Her faulty record-keeping assured India's poor performance on the pitch. Ghosh only managed 19 runs with the bat in four innings.

8. Fahima Khatun (Bangladesh)

Fahima Khatun from the Bangladesh side was expected to turn the tables with her spinning ability, but it didn't work in her arsenal's way. She was able to have four wickets on her hat in five matches, with a decent spinner's economy of over six.

9. Deepti Sharma (India)

Indian All-Rounder Deepti Sharma also disappointed fans with her performance, scoring only a bleak 49 runs in four games. In the critical encounters, Deepti wasn't up to the mark and didn't prove to be instrumental in such scenarios. She wasn't very appealing with her spinning abilities, as she took just four wickets in four games.

10. Rachel Slater (Scotland)

During the Women's T20 World Cup Qualifiers, Scotland's quickie, Rachel Slater, was meant to be promising, as she was the highest wicket-taker of that league. But, on the game's main stage, she was disappointed with her pace as she scalped just two wickets in four matches.

11. Ayabonga Khaka (South Africa)

Ayabonga Khaka has been one of the most reliable pacers for the runners-up Proteas side in the long-run aspects. But, based on this tournament, she didn't play much of a pivotal role in changing the game for her side with her quick pace. Khaka was able to scalp a mere four wickets in six games, which doesn't act synonymous, keeping her experience in mind.

India’s ICC Women’s T20 World Cup campaign in the UAE was riddled with challenges, one of the most notable being the underwhelming performance of vice-captain Smriti Mandhana. Known for her elegance at the crease and often touted as India's best batter, much was expected from her in this crucial tournament. However, Mandhana failed to deliver, managing only 75 runs across four innings, with an average of 18.75 and a strike rate of 94.93. These figures were far below her usual standards, and fans were left disappointed. Her sole bright spot came in the form of a fifty against Sri Lanka, which was her only significant contribution. In the other matches, she struggled to find rhythm, falling short of expectations, and could not anchor India’s innings when it mattered most.

What made her struggles even more concerning was her consistent vulnerability against spin. Leading up to the World Cup, Mandhana had shown signs of trouble in the warm-up matches, where she was dismissed cheaply by spinners in both games. Unfortunately, the pattern persisted in the tournament itself, where spinners accounted for three of her four dismissals, and she was also run out once. As a key player for India, her inability to navigate spin bowling was a major factor in the team’s overall batting woes, raising questions about her preparation and form.

See Also: What led to India Women's early exit in the T20 world cup 2024?

Smriti Mandhana’s Wake-Up Call in T20 World Cup 2024

Smriti Mandhana’s performance in the ICC Women's T20 World Cup 2024 revealed a series of struggles that defined India’s campaign. Starting as a key player and vice-captain, expectations were high for the experienced opener to lead India’s charge. However, her performances fell well below her usual standards. In four matches, her overall contribution was limited to 75 runs, with a mixed bag of strike rates across different stages of her innings. This tournament exposed significant gaps in her ability to build and accelerate innings, particularly against spin, which played a role in her downfall.

Against New Zealand, Mandhana started relatively well, scoring 11 runs in the first 10 balls at a strike rate of 110, showcasing some intent. However, her ability to build on that momentum faltered, as she managed just 1 more run in the next 10 balls, with her strike rate plummeting to 50. Her early dismissal put India on the back foot, a trend that persisted throughout the tournament. She failed to capitalize on the powerplay, leaving her teammates to shoulder the burden of run-scoring.

Her struggles were even more evident in the game against Pakistan. Mandhana’s start was cautious, as she scored 6 runs in 10 balls at a strike rate of 60. However, her inability to rotate the strike and find boundaries after this start hurt India. In the next 10-ball phase, she could only add 1 run, dropping her strike rate drastically to 16.67. This failure to push the scoring rate or anchor the innings became a recurring issue, as Mandhana fell short of providing the platform India desperately needed.

The match against Sri Lanka offered a brief glimpse of Mandhana’s usual prowess. After scoring 6 runs in the first 10 balls at a modest strike rate of 60, she picked up the pace in the next phase. She added 20 runs at an impressive strike rate of 200, signaling a return to form. However, this was not the end of her contribution—Mandhana managed to score 24 more runs beyond the 20-ball mark, finishing with a strike rate of 133.33. Despite this strong knock, her performance was a lone bright spot in an otherwise lackluster tournament.

In the final match against Australia, Mandhana's struggles resurfaced. She managed just 5 runs in the first 10 balls at a strike rate of 50. Once again, her innings ended prematurely, leaving India without a solid start. This match epitomized her tournament woes—trouble against quality bowling, lack of fluency, and vulnerability to spinners, who accounted for most of her dismissals in the World Cup.

Overall, Mandhana’s performance in the 2024 T20 World Cup highlighted key areas of concern. While she showed sparks of brilliance against Sri Lanka, her inability to rotate strike, accelerate consistently, and handle spin left India in difficult positions. Her form slump was one of the major reasons behind India’s struggles, raising questions about her preparation and adaptability in pressure situations.

See Also: A Breakdown of India’s Stellar Batting Performance

Women’s T20 World Cup 2024 started on October 3 and India Women's Team will start their campaign by taking on New Zealand on October 4 as well. Notably, the Indian Women's Team have never won a T20 World Cup trophy and this is their ninth edition of the event as well. Ahead of their tournament opener, the players received good luck messages from their friends and family. 

However, the Harmanpreet Kaur-led Indian team came close to winning the trophy in 2020 but they lost to Australia in the final. As the latest edition of the event is taking place in the United Arab Emirates, the conditions and the strength of the team make them one of the favourites to lift the trophy as well. Meanwhile, BCCI arranged the family messages in a video and presented them to the players who are all set to begin their campaign.

Team India to start their campaign against New Zealand

“Hi Smriti we wish you all the best for the upcoming World Cup. We just wanted to let you know and the entire team that we are super proud of you for the hard work you put in day in and day out,” said Mandhana’s family.

“Really proud of my daughter, Shreyanka Patil on being selected for the first T20 World Cup. Congratulations Shreyanka and all the best team India,” said Shryanka’s parents.

SEE ALSO: Diana Baig's injury scare brings a big blow for Pakistan Women

Here are the family video messages for the team:

 

 

 

 

 

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A post shared by Team India (@indiancricketteam)

However, Team India are placed in Group A along with Australia, Sri Lanka, Pakistan, and New Zealand. Meanwhile, Australia are six-time champion and they will enter as the defending champions in the UAE as well. On the other hand, Team India have been preparing hard ahead of the marquee event and they would hope for a positive start right from the first game when they play against New Zealand as well.

The women's Indian Cricket team would be one of the major contenders for the 2024 Women's T20 World Cup in the UAE. With an optimum mix of experienced and emerging players, the team can strive their way to their first-ever title in the short-format tournament.

With the team reaching the finals twice and their 2022 run ending in the group stage, the side under the captaincy of Harmanpreet Kaur and her deputy, Smriti Mandhana, would be eager to turn the tables. That said, here's the list of the three players to check out from the Indian side for the upcoming 2024 T20 World Cup, in addition of the announced full squad and its probable XI.

Announced Women's India 2024 T20 World Cup Full Squad: 

Harmanpreet Kaur (Captain), Smriti Mandhana (Vice-Captain), Shafali Verma, Deepti Sharma, Jemimah Rodrigues, Richa Ghosh (Wicketkeeper), Yastika Bhatia* (Wicketkeeper), Pooja Vastrakar, Arundhati Reddy, Renuka Singh Thakur, Dayalan Hemalatha, Asha Sobhana, Radha Yadav, Shreyanka Patil*, Sajana Sajeevan

*subject to fitness clearance

India's Probable XI:

1. Smriti Mandhana (Vice-Captain)
2. Shafali Verma
3. Yastika Bhatia
4. Harmanpreet Kaur (Captain)
5. Jemimah Rodrigues
6. Richa Ghosh (Wicketkeeper)
7. Deepti Sharma
8. Pooja Vastrakar
9. Shreyanka Patil
10. Asha Joy
11. Renuka Singh Thakur

Also Read: 2024 Women's T20 World Cup: Top 3 players to check out from the women's New Zealand squad

Top-3 player to check out from India in the 2024 Women's T20 World Cup:

Harmanpreet Kaur

Captain Harmanpreet Kaur is widely recognised as one of the top players in the world. When you consider some of the most crucial events in Indian women's cricket, she is almost certainly involved. She has subsequently become a well-known cricketer with an impressive international record. She has scored over 3,000 runs and taken 32 wickets in international T20 matches, notably a show-stopping effort against Australia in which she scored 46 runs from 31 balls to secure India's highest-ever run chase.

In 2019, Kaur became the first Indian cricketer to make over 100 international T20 appearances for her country, showcasing her effect on the game. The all-rounder will want to lead India to a more successful run.

Smriti Mandhana

Smriti Mandhana, one of the most reliable Indian openers in the game, instils dread in any bowling attack. After smashing ceiling after ceiling, she is now one of the top names on the list of tournament coaches worldwide. In addition to her widespread recognition in the WPL after winning the maiden title for the Royal Challengers Bengaluru, she has gained popularity in other cash-rich international events like the WBBL and The Hundred.

She has demonstrated her ability to perform under the most challenging situations. Seeing her as one of the tournament's leading run scorers will be no surprise. In 141 T20I appearances, she has scored 3493 runs, including 26 half-centuries, at an average of 30. 

Deepti Sharma

Deepti Sharma, who ranked third in the ICC WT20 all-rounder rankings, has emerged as a pivotal player for India in recent years in both bat and ball. Her efforts in the most recent World Cup in South Africa earned the 27-year-old a spot in the ICC Team of the Year 2023.

After changing her bowling approach halfway through her career, Sharma became the first Indian cricketer to take 100 IT20 wickets in 2018 and has since gone from strength to strength in competitions worldwide. In her humongous stint of 117 matches, she has scalped 131 wickets at an economy of 5.97 and made over 1000 runs, signifying her all-rounder persona. 

The Asia Cup 2024 Women’s Semi final is set to be a thrilling encounter as India takes on Bangladesh. Both teams have shown remarkable skill and determination throughout the tournament, setting the stage for an exciting clash. India, known for their strategic play and powerful batting line-up, have been in formidable form, dominating their group stage matches. Their key players have consistently delivered outstanding performances, making them a formidable force in this competition.

On the other hand, Bangladesh has emerged as a resilient and tenacious team, demonstrating exceptional prowess with both bat and ball. Their journey to the semi finals has been marked by impressive victories and standout individual performances, showcasing their ability to compete at the highest level. The stakes are high, and the winner will secure a coveted spot in the Asia Cup 2024 Women’s Final, bringing them one step closer to glory.

See Also: Men’s Hundred 2024: Match Analysis: Where did Birmingham Phoenix went wrong in their innings?

INDW vs BANW: Key Batters Poised to Shine in Women’s Semi-Finals

Shafali Verma: Shafali Verma has been a standout performer for the Indian women’s cricket team in the Asia Cup 2024. With 270 runs in 10 matches, she boasts an impressive average of 33.75 and a striking strike rate of 141.36. Known for her aggressive batting style, Shafali has consistently provided India with explosive starts, putting the opposition bowlers under immense pressure. Her ability to score quickly and dominate the powerplay overs has been a crucial factor in India’s successful campaign so far.

Smriti Mandhana: Smriti Mandhana, another key player for India, has been in sublime form throughout the tournament. Accumulating 265 runs in 10 matches, she has maintained an excellent average of 44.17 and a strike rate of 131.18. Smriti’s elegant stroke play and ability to build innings have made her a cornerstone of India’s batting lineup. Her consistency at the top of the order has not only provided stability but also allowed the middle order to play more freely. Her contributions have been vital in setting competitive totals and chasing down targets effectively.

Murshida Khatun: For Bangladesh, Murshida Khatun has been a significant contributor with the bat. In 8 matches, she has scored 208 runs at an average of 26 and a strike rate of 96.29. While her statistics may not seem as flashy as some of her counterparts, Murshida’s role in the team has been crucial. She has provided solid starts and has anchored the innings, allowing the more aggressive batters to play around her. Her ability to rotate the strike and keep the scoreboard ticking has been essential in building partnerships and laying the foundation for competitive totals.

Nigar Sultana: Nigar Sultana has been a pivotal figure for Bangladesh in the Asia Cup 2024. With 236 runs in 10 matches, she has an average of 33.71 and a strike rate of 95.16. As a middle-order batter, Nigar has often found herself in pressure situations, where she has shown remarkable composure and resilience. Her knack for playing crucial knocks and guiding her team through tough phases has been invaluable. Nigar’s performances have not only steadied the ship for Bangladesh but have also propelled them to key victories, making her a player to watch in the semifinals.

See Also: Women’s Asia Cup 2024: Player Analysis: Richa Ghosh: The Next Evolution in Indian Women’s Cricket

In the 42 T20I innings Richa Ghosh has played, she has faced more than 25 deliveries in an innings only five times. Shockingly, she didn’t face a single ball in the last T20I bilateral series against South Africa. Now, pause for a second. If you have seen her innings against the UAE on July 21, pause for a few seconds longer. This revelation might leave you puzzled.

For anyone who has witnessed this 20-year-old from Siliguri bat for India, it’s hard to accept that she hardly gets to bat for a significant duration in T20Is. Her performance against the UAE highlights her potential and raises questions about her underutilization in the team. It’s a frustration shared by many who see in her the future of Indian women’s cricket, yet find her opportunities to shine so limited.

The incredulity of Richa Ghosh’s stat is heightened further when considering her performance in the last five balls of her innings against the UAE, where she scored the fastest-ever 50-plus score in T20I cricket for an Indian woman. The offside field was heavily packed, and the bowler’s line and length were clear to Richa. It all depended on how she’d manage to thread the gaps in the 25-yard circle.

See Also: ENG vs WI: Day 1: Ollie Pope capitalizes on WI’s errors to score 6th Test Century

In-depth Analysis of Richa Ghosh’s Match Winning Innings

On the second delivery of the over, the ball was full and outside off. For Richa, this was easy. She thrives in the V as a batter, and she sent the ball precisely there, collecting a four wide off mid-off. The next delivery was slightly short, requiring her to use her wrists. Richa did more than just guide the ball; she wristily slashed it with power, managing to place it wide of the diving point fielder. Another four! Her ability to read the game and exploit even the smallest gaps showcased her exceptional batting skills, making her innings against the UAE a remarkable display of her talent and potential.

The fifth delivery showcased Richa Ghosh’s growing range spectacularly. She executed a reverse sweep to hit a full ball to deep point for a boundary, stunning the UAE fielders. Richa, beaming with pride, flashed a broad smile, revealing all 32 of her teeth. Why shouldn’t she? She had just completed her first T20I fifty, and India was on the brink of crossing 200 for the first time in their history.

On the very next ball, India achieved that milestone, reaching 201/5 at the end of 20 overs – their highest score in a T20I game. Richa, the wicketkeeper from Siliguri, jogged back to the pavilion, all smiles, seemingly unaware of the magnitude of her own performance. Against the UAE, it was her off-side play that truly stood out. She scored 75% of her runs in that region with such finesse that it never felt like she was muscling the ball. Remarkably, in her innings played at a strike rate of 220.68, she hit just one six! All her other big shots were well-placed fours, underscoring her exceptional skill and precision.

Imagine the impact Richa Ghosh could make if she consistently faced more deliveries. Despite her limited opportunities, she has already established herself as the best wicketkeeper-batter India has ever had. It’s not just her keeping skills but the manner of her stroke play and the continuous improvements in her batting that make her stand out in a lineup filled with flamboyant batters like Smriti Mandhana, Shafali Verma, and Harmanpreet Kaur.

At just 20 years old, Richa has proven that she represents the next step in the evolution of batting in Indian women’s cricket. Her ability to adapt and innovate, as shown in her recent performances, highlights her immense potential and the significant impact she could have on the game if given more chances to shine.

See Also: Player Analysis: The Enduring Legacy of James Anderson’s 21-Year Test Career