Earlier on, Nashra Sandhu struck to remove Jemimah Rodrigues (32), leaving India with half their side back in the hut. Rodrigues was trapped LBW after a successful review, falling while attempting a sweep that she completely missed.
Photo: ANI
Richa Ghosh’s late order fireworks helped India post a healthy 247 against Pakistan in their ICC Cricket World Cup match at the R Premadasa Stadium in Colombo on Sunday.
Richa’s 20-ball unbeaten 35, laced with three fours and two sixes, gave India the much-needed impetus after the departure of Deepti Sharma (25), the highest scorer for India in the tournament opener against Sri Lanka, left the Women In Blue struggling at 203/7 with five overs remaining.
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Earlier on, Nashra Sandhu struck to remove Jemimah Rodrigues (32), leaving India with half their side back in the hut. Rodrigues was trapped LBW after a successful review, falling while attempting a sweep that she completely missed.
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With that wicket, Sandhu became the joint highest wicket-taker for Pakistan in the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup. She shares the honour with former captain and ICC Hall of Famer Sana Mir, who has 17 dismissals.
Just the over before Rodrigues’ dismissal, Rameen Shamim dismissed India’s top-scorer Harleen Deol (46) as she stepped down the track, but was caught by Sandhu at long on. Rodrigues and Doel had absorbed the pressure after Pakistan had removed India captain Harmanpreet Kaur (19) for the third wicket. Diana Baig bowled one down the leg side, and Kaur was caught behind while trying to guide it towards square leg.
Kaur had steadied the innings alongside Harleen Deol after the early losses of Smriti Mandhana (23) and Pratika Rawal (31). Mandhana and Rawal put on a steady 48-run stand before skipper Fatima Sana provided the breakthrough, trapping Mandhana LBW. Soon after, Sadia Iqbal delivered a beauty that angled in sharply to dismiss Rawal, leaving India two down after a solid foundation.
For Pakistan, Diana Baig emerged as the most successful bowler, claiming 4/69 while Sadia Iqbal and Fatima Sana picked two apiece.
Earlier, in continuation of India’s no-handshake stance in their games against Pakistan, skippers Harmanpreet and Fatima avoided the pleasantries at the toss in which Pakistan put India to bat.
Brief Scores: India 247 (Harleen Deol 46, Richa Ghosh 35 not out, Jemimah Rodrigues 32; Diana Baig 4/69) vs Pakistan.
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