Richa Ghosh wreaked havoc with the bat to help India recover from Australian jolt and bully Bangladesh by 52 runs in their second Women's T20 World Cup warm-up match at the Coetzenburg Oval, Stellenbosch on Wednesday (February 8).
Richa rose to the occasion after the Indian top order faltered which left the scoreboard 3/35 once. The 19-year-old took up the mantle and belted Bangladesh's bowler left, right and centre in his 92-run knock in which she deposited nine sixes and three fours to steer India to 183/5. Jemimah Rodrigues also chipped in with a fine 41 of her own.
In reply, Bangladesh succumbed to Indian sharp bowling and were restricted to 131/8 in their stipulated 20 overs. Devika Vaidya was the pick of the bowlers for India as she snared 2/21. Meanwhile Rajeshwari Gaikwad, Anjali Sarvani, Deepti Sharma, Radha Yadav and Shafali Verma took a wicket apiece for the winning cause.
Earlier, defending champions Australia outclassed India in the first warm-up match on February 6 before the Women’s T20 World Cup 2023 which will begin on February 10 in South Africa. India got all out for 85 in run chase of 130, courtesy Darcie Brown as they suffered a major batting collapse in the first 10 overs at Newlands, Cape Town.
In another warm-up match on Wednesday, 10th ranked Ireland humbled Australia in a last over thriller at Stellenbosch. In a total team effort, Ireland managed to chase down 169 with three wickets in hand and just two balls to spare to wake up Meg Lanning-led Australia before they begin their title defense.
In the run chase of 169, Amy Hunter got her side off to a good start with a 14-ball 26 cameo. Megan Schutt and Jess Jonassen got rid of both openers but the flow of runs did not take a hit. Ola Prendergast used the fielding restrictions and contributed with a 15-ball 26.
Meanwhile, Harmanpreet Kaur-led India will open their Women's T20 World Cup 2023 campaign against arch-rivals Pakistan in a high-octane clash on February 12.
