One match doesn’t define us: Richa Ghosh after India’s first World Cup loss

Star wicketkeeper-batter Richa Ghosh praised South Africa’s performance after India’s three-wicket loss in the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup and vowed that the team would “learn and improve” ahead of a challenging run of fixtures.

It was not the result the hosts had hoped for, as they suffered their first defeat of the tournament at the hands of a resilient South African side at the ACA-VDCA Stadium in Visakhapatnam on Thursday.

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Despite the setback, the Indian camp remains composed and focused, with preparations already underway for their next clash, a high-stakes encounter against defending champions Australia on Sunday.

Ghosh (94 off 77) was India’s standout performer, rescuing the innings after early wickets to guide her team to a competitive total of 252. South Africa, however, chased down the target with seven balls to spare, displaying grit and composure under pressure.

Speaking after the match, Ghosh refused to dwell on the loss and emphasised the team’s resolve to bounce back.

“We played well, and so did they,” she said. “Of course, it would’ve felt great if we’d won, but we gave it our all. It’s OK — we’ll come back stronger in the next match. One match doesn’t define (the top-order). Anything can happen in cricket; it’s our job to do our best every time. We played until the last ball and tried to get as many runs as possible.

“Whatever plans we had, we tried to execute them. The pace bowlers followed their plans too. But credit to the opposition — they batted really well. The way they hit the ball was outstanding. I think full credit goes to them for playing such good shots.

“We’ll sit down and review — see what went well, where we can improve, and how we can keep learning every day. There’ll be a meeting for that. One game won’t change our mindset. We’ll plan things step by step during practice sessions and stay positive. Whatever lessons we got from today’s match, we’ll carry those forward,” she added.

India’s upcoming fixtures make reflection and adjustment crucial. After facing unbeaten Australia, they will take on two more formidable opponents in England and New Zealand. The team will need Ghosh to continue her explosive form in the middle order.

Explaining her approach at the crease, Ghosh added, “If the ball was in my zone, I went for the shot; if not, I tried to rotate the strike as much as possible because the partnership was most important. That was what was going on in my mind. And because everyone trusts me, I think that gave me confidence too.”