Last Updated:
Richa Ghosh equalled Phoebe Litchfield and Sophie Devine’s record for the fastest-ever fifty in women’s T20Is.
Richa Ghosh smashed a fifty in just 18 balls (X/BCCI)
Richa Ghosh smashed her fifty in just 18 balls to join Australia’s Phoebe Litchfield and New Zealand’s Sophie Devine as the record-holder for the fastest ever fifty in women’s T20Is.
The young Indian wicket-keeper batter broke the record during the 3rd and last T20I against West Indies at the Dr DY Patil Sports Academy in Navi Mumbai on Thursday.
Richa was eventually dimissed for 54 from 21 deliverie but she had already samshed three boundaries and five massive sixes.
India posted 217/4 to register their highest-ever total in T20Is.
Richa brought out fireworks to enthrall more than 47,204 fans by smashing three fours and five sixes in her unbeaten 21-ball 54. Her blazing knock, coupled with captain Smriti Mandhana’s 77 powered India to 217/4, which is now their highest total ever in women’s T20Is.
It has easily eclipsed India’s previous best T20I total of 201/5, which came against the UAE at the Women’s Asia Cup in Dambulla, Sri Lanka, in July this year. Richa came out to bat after Smriti fell for 77, her third straight fifty of the series and 30th half-century overall in T20Is, which took her past Suzie Bates’ record of 29 fifties in the format.
Richa was immediately off the blocks by lofting her first ball for a six off Deandra Dottin and ended the over by slicing her through backward point for four more, before flicking Aaliyah Alleyne for a boundary.
From there, Richa was severe on Deandra, Aaliyah, and Hayley Matthews, before flicking Aaliyah for a six over deep mid-wicket to get a sensational half-century in just 18 balls, equalling the record for fastest T20I half-century alongside New Zealand’s Sophie Devine and Australia’s Phoebe Litchfield.
Though Richa’s carnage, coming at a strike-rate of 257.14, ended a ball before India’s innings got over, she ensured India had a strong finish to end up at 217/4 and invite West Indies to break their own record for the highest chase in women’s T20Is.
Ghosh showcased her prowess at the crease with powerful hits with the ball landing nearly into the stands, particularly on the leg side, with more than 40,000 in attendance here at the DY Patil Stadium.
(With inputs from Agencies)
- Location :
Navi Mumbai Panvel Raigarh, India
