Women’s T20 World Cup: Richa Ghosh, Jemimah Rodrigues set up record win against Pakistan

Jemimah Rodrigues and Richa Ghosh were the stars of the show as India got their Women’s T20 World Cup campaign off to a flying start with a seven-wicket win over Pakistan on Sunday.

This is the second-highest chase in women’s T20 World Cup history and also India’s highest successful chase in the tournament.

Pakistan had won the toss and opted to bat first and the decision proved to be the right one despite losing Javeria Khan early. Maroof and Muneba Ali put their foot on the pedal as they got their highest score in the powerplay and appeared to be in control.

But Radha Yadav provided the much-needed breakthrough for India at that moment. Pakistan ended up losing another one quickly as Pooja Vastrakar dismissed Nida Dar quickly.

Yadav picked up her second in the form of Sidra Ameen as Pakistan were reeling at 68 for four in 12.1 overs. Maroof then found the ideal partner in Ayesha Naseem and the duo put on 81 runs for the 5th wicket in just 7.1 overs to help Pakistan get to a score of 149 runs in their 20 overs for the loss of four wickets.

India got off to a good start in their run chase with Shafali Verma and Yastika Bhatia putting on 38 runs for the first wicket in 5.3 overs before Bhatia departed.

Shafali was then joined by Jemimah in the middle and the duo put on 30 runs before Sandhu removed the opener. India appeared to be in a spot of bother when they lost skipper Harmanpreet for 16 runs with just 93 on the board for the loss of three wickets.

Jemimah and Ghosh then decided to put the pressure back on the Pakistani bowlers as they hit them to all parts of the ground with some delightful shots.

The duo made sure that India got home with an over to spare to get the campaign off to a good start. Jemimah scored 53 runs in 38 deliveries while Ghosh remained unbeaten on 31 off 20 deliveries.