An India-Pakistan contest is always a special one. Every moment in this match becomes special and can make or break a player's reputation. One such moment came for the Indian wicketkeeper Richa Ghosh as she pulled off a spectacular stumping.
While chasing 245, the Pakistan women had been restricted to a score of 87-5 in 30 overs when Aliya Riaz decided to step out to hit a big shot. However, Rajeshwari Gayakwad managed to deceive her with a great delivery. Richa Ghosh showed quick reflexes and immediately grabbed the stumping opportunity to send Riaz back to the pavilion. It was a spectacular stumping considering the fact that she had such little time.
India eventually managed to bowl out Pakistan for a score of 137 in 43 overs. It was a massive 107 run win for the Indian side to start off their campaign on a positive note. Gayakwad starred with the ball as she picked up four wickets conceding only 31 runs in her 10 overs. Jhulan Goswami too bowled really well as she picked up two wickets conceding only 26 runs.
Coming to the first innings, Indian Women had won the toss and opted to bat first. Smriti Mandana and Deepti Sharma were involved in a 92 run partnership for the second wicket after which India faced a collapse and were reduced to 114-6 in 34 overs. It seemed like they were about to get bowled out under a total of 150 runs.
However, something unexpected was just about to happen. Pooja Vastrakar (67) and Sneh Rana (53*) were involved in a 122 run partnership for the seventh wicket which helped India reach a score of 244-7 at the end of their 50 overs. This total proved to be too much for the Pakistan side and India opened their account with a massive win.
During the game, Richa Ghosh also became the first-ever player to be involved in five or more dismissals on her World Cup debut. It would definitely be a match to remember for the debutant and she will hope to come good with the bat as well.