When Richa Ghosh walks out to bat in the final overs, there is a growing sense of certainty about what is to follow. The location may change, the opponent may vary, but the impact rarely does. Once again, under the lights in Thiruvananthapuram, Richa turned the closing stages of an innings into her personal showcase.
Promoted to No. 3 after the fall of Shafali Verma in the 16th over, Richa wasted no time settling in. Her brief was clear, and her execution even clearer. Speaking after the match, she explained that whenever the captain sends her up the order, the objective is simple — maximise runs and finish the game strongly for the team.
That intent was visible from her opening delivery.
Power Backed by Precision
Richa’s unbeaten 40 off just 16 balls was a textbook example of modern T20 finishing. While the surface offered good value for shots, she showed impressive awareness in adjusting to variations. Slower deliveries demanded patience and smart shot selection, something she read early and punished with authority when bowlers erred in length.
Her strike rate of 250 reflected not reckless hitting, but calculated aggression. She targeted straight boundaries, stayed strong through the line, and capitalised on anything in her hitting zone.
Partnership That Broke the Game Open
The turning point came during her stand with Harmanpreet Kaur. Together, they added 53 runs in just 23 balls, scoring at nearly 14 runs per over — one of India’s most explosive 50-plus partnerships in women’s T20Is.
Richa took on the attacking role immediately, allowing Harmanpreet to anchor the innings calmly at the other end. The balance worked perfectly.
A dropped catch in the deep gave Richa a second chance, and she made Sri Lanka pay dearly. Back-to-back sixes and a towering blow straight down the ground effectively shut the door on any hopes of a comeback. Although India eventually won by 30 runs, it was this late surge that ensured the contest never truly remained alive.
Honest Assessment Beyond the Bat
Despite her batting heroics, Richa was quick to acknowledge shortcomings in the field. Missed chances behind the stumps and a few lapses stood out on an otherwise strong night. She admitted it felt like one of those off days where things don’t go according to plan, adding that overall fielding standards within the team have been improving steadily.
India’s Trusted Finisher Taking Shape
As India build momentum following their World Cup success, Richa’s role is becoming more defined with each outing. Her ability to finish games under pressure is now a near certainty. The next phase of her evolution lies in sharpening her wicketkeeping consistency.
But when the situation demands fearless intent and quick runs at the death, Richa Ghosh continues to prove that she is one of India’s most reliable match-winners.
