Richa Ghosh’s masterful 94 steered India to a competitive 251 against South Africa after the top order faltered in their Women’s World Cup clash at ACA-VDCA Stadium on Thursday.

The 20-year-old wicketkeeper-batter’s 77-ball knock (11×4, 4×6) showcased precise strokeplay and judicious use of power on a pitch that offered easy-paced conditions. Ghosh reached her seventh ODI fifty in 53 balls before taking the attack to the South African bowlers, particularly in the final overs.

Openers Pratika Rawal (37) and Smriti Mandhana (23) provided a bright start, putting on 55 runs in 10.2 overs. Rawal’s cover drive off pacer Marizanne Kapp stood out as the highlight of her innings, while Mandhana struggled to find rhythm, hitting a towering straight six off Ayabonga Khaka before being dismissed by left-arm spinner Noku Mlaba.

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The initial promise waned as India slipped to 83 for one, and a mini-collapse followed with five wickets falling for 19 runs. Rawal was caught trying to push Tumi Sekhkhune to the leg side, while Harleen Deol (13) fell to Mlaba’s guileful turn. Harmanpreet Kaur also fell to a leading edge off spinner Chloe Tryon, leaving India reeling at 102 for six.

Ghosh then anchored the innings with a 51-run stand alongside Amanjot Kaur (13), pushing India past the 150-run mark. She was reprieved twice on 76 and 84, which allowed her to accelerate in the final overs, scoring 44 runs in 24 deliveries.

The young star later joined forces with Sneh Rana (33) for an unbeaten 88-run stand off 53 balls for the eighth wicket, reviving India’s innings. Ghosh eventually fell in the last over, but her innings had laid a strong platform for a competitive total.

South Africa’s disciplined bowling kept India under pressure early on, with spinners exploiting the slight turn and batters attempting to force the pace. However, Ghosh’s composure and timing ensured India recovered from a precarious position to post 251.