Daijiworld Media Network - Cardiff
Cardiff, Jun 10: Wicketkeeper-batter Richa Ghosh produced a sensational counterattacking innings to almost pull off an unlikely victory for India, but England held their nerve in a tense finish to register a narrow five-run win in the Women’s T20 World Cup warm-up match at Sophia Gardens on Wednesday.
Chasing a challenging target of 172, India found themselves in deep trouble after losing wickets at regular intervals. However, Richa single-handedly reignited hopes with a blistering 68 off just 36 deliveries, striking nine boundaries and two sixes at a remarkable strike rate of 188.89.
The match went down to the wire as India required 17 runs from the final over. Richa responded with a four and a six off Linsey Smith to bring the equation down to six runs from the last three deliveries. Just when India appeared to be closing in on a dramatic victory, Richa was stumped on the next ball, allowing England to complete a thrilling five-run triumph by bowling India out for 166 in 19.5 overs.
England’s bowlers had earlier gained control of the chase after removing key Indian batters. Shafali Verma made a quick 13 before being bowled by Issy Wong, while Smriti Mandhana departed cheaply. Captain Harmanpreet Kaur (17) and Yastika Bhatia (15) also failed to convert their starts as England’s disciplined bowling attack maintained pressure throughout the innings.
Bharti Fulmali contributed 18 runs and Radha Yadav added 16, but India continued to lose wickets at crucial stages. Charlie Dean struck twice, dismissing Shreyanka Patil and Kranti Gaud, leaving the visitors with a mountain to climb.
Despite the setbacks, Richa launched a fearless assault, capitalising on loose deliveries from Issy Wong and Lauren Filer. Her aggressive strokeplay and a rapid 33-run partnership with Radha Yadav kept India in contention until the final over, but the late dismissal proved decisive.
Earlier, England posted 171 for 6 after strong performances from Amy Jones and skipper Nat Sciver-Brunt. Jones led the scoring with a fluent 64, while Sciver-Brunt anchored the innings with a well-crafted 57. The pair laid a solid foundation, each striking eight boundaries during their respective knocks.
After a rain interruption, India’s bowlers initially managed to restrict England’s scoring rate, but the hosts accelerated in the closing overs. Danielle Gibson provided the late surge with an unbeaten 30 off only 12 deliveries, smashing four boundaries and the only six of England’s innings.
For India, Shreyanka Patil was the standout bowler with figures of 2 for 29. However, the visitors will be concerned about conceding 43 runs in the final three overs, which ultimately proved crucial in the outcome of the match.
England will now shift focus to their opening match of the Women’s T20 World Cup against Sri Lanka at Edgbaston on June 12. India, meanwhile, will begin their campaign against Pakistan at the same venue on June 14.
Brief Scores: England 171/6 in 20 overs (Amy Jones 64, Nat Sciver-Brunt 57, Danielle Gibson 30*; Shreyanka Patil 2/29) beat India 166 all out in 19.5 overs (Richa Ghosh 68, Harmanpreet Kaur 17; Linsey Smith 3/42, Danielle Gibson 2/17) by five runs.