Richa Ghosh Shines with Record-Breaking Performance in Women's Asia Cup

Indian wicketkeeper Richa Ghosh shattered records with a stellar 64* off just 29 balls against UAE in the Women's Asia Cup. Her performance led India to their highest T20I score. India won with a total of 201/5, while UAE managed only 123/7, securing India's top spot in Group A.

Indian wicketkeeper-batter Richa Ghosh delivered a record-breaking performance in the Women's Asia Cup match against UAE on Sunday. Richa's unbeaten 64 off 29 balls propelled India to their highest-ever T20I total of 201/5, marking a historic day in women's cricket.

Coming to the crease with India at 106/4, Richa smashed 12 fours and a six at an astounding strike rate of 220.68. This performance now holds the record for the highest strike rate by an Indian player in a 50-run plus score in women's T20Is, surpassing Smriti Mandhana's previous record of a 25-ball 51 at a strike rate of 204.

Richa's half-century, which she achieved in just 26 balls, also stands as the second-fastest fifty in Women's Asia Cup history, following Mandhana's 25-ball fifty in the 2022 final. Her 64* is the highest score by an Indian wicketkeeper-batter in women's T20Is, eclipsing Sulakshana Naik's 59-run effort in 2010.

During the game, contributions from Shafali Varma (37 off 18) and skipper Harmanpreet Kaur (66 off 47) helped India post an imposing 201/5. Despite the efforts of UAE's Kavisha Egodage and skipper Esha Oza, UAE could only muster 123/7 in their 20 overs, with India's Deepti Sharma taking 2/23.

Richa's performance earned her the 'Player of the Match' award, and India's victory positioned them at the top of Group A with two wins from two matches. UAE, conversely, is at the bottom, having lost both of their games.