Women’s T20 World Cup: Richa Ghosh lone Indian to be shortlisted among ‘Player of the Tournament’ candidates
Women’s T20 World Cup: India wicket-keeper batter Richa Ghosh is the lone player from the team to feature in the list of ‘Player of the Tournament’ candidates.
India’s Richa Ghosh has been shortlisted in the ‘Player of the Tournament’ candidates. (AP Photo)
By India Today Sports Desk: 19-year-old wicketkeeper-batter Richa Ghosh was the only India player in the shortlist for the ‘Player of the Tournament’ candidates in the Women’s T20 World Cup. Ghosh, who scored 136 runs from 5 matches at an average of 68, was the only Indian from the 9-player list.
India made a semifinal exit with a heartbreaking five-run loss against defending champions Australia in Cape Town on Thursday, 23 February.
Ghosh who had been dismissed only once heading into the tournament, did not have a good outing in the semi-final, dropping chances behind the stumps and then scoring 14 runs in the second innings. However, her tournament was not like the semi-final clash. She smashed two scores in the 40s including an unbeaten 47 against England that took her side to within sight of victory.
Richa was only dismissed twice from five innings at the tournament and scored at a strike-rate greater than 130 that further displayed her attacking prowess.
Overall she finished with 136 runs at an average of 68.
Players from Australia dominate the ICC shortlist with three from the reigning champions, followed by two from England and South Africa. India and the West Indies have one each.
Skipper Meg Lanning (139 runs, average 69.50), wicket-keeper batter Alyssa Healy (171 runs, average 57) and all-rounder Ash Gardner (81 runs and nine wickets) were the Australians in the list.
All-rounder Nat Sciver-Brunt (216 runs. average 72) and spinner Sophie Ecclestone, who finished with 11 wickets with a tidy economy of 4.15 were picked from England.
The two from South Africa were Laura, Wolvaardt, who played a key role in taking the team to the final, and opener Tazmin Brits.
Brits saved her best performance for when it mattered most with a stylish 68 against England in the semi-final on Friday.
West Indies skipper Hayley Matthews, who dished out a sensational all-round show with 130 runs and four wickets, completed the list.
