India vs South Africa : For a moment, it looked like India’s innings would crumble beyond repair. Six wickets down for just 102, the crowd sat silent, the South Africans were roaring, and the match seemed to be slipping away. Then came Richa Ghosh — calm, fearless, and utterly destructive.
In a display of power and precision, Ghosh hammered a blistering 94 off just 85 balls, rescuing India from the brink and helping them post a competitive total of 251 all out against South Africa. Her innings, laced with 11 fours and four sixes, wasn’t just a fightback — it was a statement.
When Ghosh walked in at No. 8, India had lost their backbone. The top order, despite a promising start of 55 runs in the first 10 overs, had collapsed under the spin duo of Nonkululekho Mlaba (2-46) and Chloe Tryon, who tore through the middle order with sharp turn and subtle variations.
But Ghosh, joined by Sneh Rana (37 off 63), turned despair into defiance. Their 88-run stand for the eighth wicket changed the tone of the match. South Africa, who had been cruising, suddenly found themselves chasing leather as Ghosh unleashed an array of lofted drives, fierce pulls, and crisp cuts.
In doing so, the 20-year-old wicketkeeper shattered a long-standing record — becoming the highest run-scorer ever batting at No. 8 in women’s ODIs.
“She’s fearless. That’s her strength,” said India captain Smriti Mandhana, who earlier struggled for rhythm but still made history by becoming the highest ODI run-scorer in a calendar year, surpassing Australia’s Belinda Clarke.
India’s innings was a story in three acts: dominance, collapse, and redemption.
- First 10 overs: 55 runs — brisk, confident, and full of intent.
- Middle 30 overs: Only 98 runs — wickets tumbled, momentum lost.
- Final 10 overs: Another 98 runs — Ghosh’s fireworks reignited India’s charge.
Even South Africa’s most reliable bowlers — Marizanne Kapp and Ayabonga Khaka — couldn’t stem the late surge. Kapp, in particular, had a frustrating outing. Her overstepping denied her Rawal’s wicket early on, and Rawal punished her with back-to-back boundaries.
“It’s those small moments that change a game,” said commentator Lisa Sthalekar during the broadcast. “Kapp thought she had the breakthrough, but one no-ball and the momentum completely flipped.”
For South Africa, it’s déjà vu. Just like Pakistan yesterday, they had India under control and let the game slip. Their bowlers did the hard work upfront, but Ghosh’s counterattack exposed their inability to finish strong.
For India, this match underlines their growing middle and lower-order depth — a factor that has often been their Achilles’ heel.
If their bowlers can back up Ghosh’s heroics, the total of 251 might just be enough to tilt the balance in their favor.
