18-year-old wicketkeeper Richa Ghosh writes history with 5 dismissals on World Cup debut against Pakistan

Indian wicketkeeper-batter Richa Ghosh scripted history in her World Cup debut game. In India’s Women’s World Cup 2022 campaign opener against arch-rivals Pakistan, Richa bagged five dismissals behind the stumps including four catches and one stumping. The five dismissals by the West Bengal-born cricketer made her the first ever wicketkeeper to effect five dismissals on World Cup debut.

The young wicketkeeper took four catches at Bay Oval, Mount Maugnanui which helped her equal the record of most catches by an Indian wicketkeeper in an ODI innings. Anju Jain and Anagha Deshpande have achieved the feat against West Indies in 2004 and Australia in 2011 respectively.

The 18-year-old's dismissals included opener Sidra Ameen, skipper Bismah Maroof, Nida Dar, Aliya Riaz and Nashra Sandhu. The one dismissal that stood out of the lot was of Sandhu. The Pakistan tailender inside edged Sneha Rana’s delivery which hit the front pad and was caught by Richa, showing impressive levels of athleticism. Also, the stumping of Aliya was lightening fast from the teenager.

India started their World Cup campaign in style with a massive 107-run win. In the ending stages, the (Net Run Rate) NRR may come in handy to help India qualify for the playoffs. India scored 244/7 after skipper Mithali Raj won the toss and elected to bat first. Half-centuries from opener Smriti Mandhana, Rana and Pooja Vastrakar helped India post a challenging total. In reply, Pakistan put up a dull run chase as they got all out for 137 in 43 overs. For India, Rajeshwari Gayakwad picked up a four-wicket haul.

Last month, Richa made headlines by getting the record of fastest ODI half-century by an Indian batter in women’s cricket to her name. She took just 26 deliveries to get to the fifty-run mark against New Zealand.

Richa has been preferred over Taniya Bhatia as a wicketkeeper-batter in the team because of the firepower she provides in the middle order.

“When I began watching matches of Team India, I started following MS Dhoni as I was impressed with his power-hitting abilities with the bat coupled with effective wicket-keeping behind the stumps. He is my idol," Richa had told Mithali during the India vs New Zealand limited-overs series last month.