Mithali Raj and Richa Ghosh stitch together unique record in India vs New Zealand 2nd Women’s ODI
The duo put on 108 runs for the fifth wicket
India batters Mithali Raj and Richa Ghosh had a decent day in the office during the second ODI against New Zealand on Tuesday, February 15 at the John Davies Oval in Queenstown. Ghosh was at her fluent best as he scored 65 runs off 64 balls with the help of six fours and one six. The 39-year-old Mithali stayed not out on 66 off 81 with three fours.
The duo also shared a vital 108-run partnership for the fifth wicket and laid the platform for Team India. Mithali and Ghosh got together after Fran Jones got rid of Harmanpreet Kaur. In In the meantime, the century stand had something unique about it. It’s the first century partnership in international cricket where one player debuted before the other was born.
Mithali Raj made her international debut back in June 1999 in an ODI against Ireland Women at Milton Keynes. Ghosh was born more than four later on September 28, 2003. In fact, Ghosh is 21 years younger to the legendary Mithali Raj. On the back of their knocks, the Women in Blue went on to post 270 for the loss of six wickets on the board.
Mithali Raj and Richa Ghosh share the first century partnership in international cricket (men/women) where one player debuted before the other was born.
AdvertisementMithali debuted in 1999 while Richa was born in 2003.#NZvIND
— Kausthub Gudipati (@kaustats) February 15, 2022
Advertisement
Richa Ghosh, Mithali Raj’s knocks not enough for India against New Zealand
After posting to bat first, Sabbhineni Meghana’s 50-ball knock of 49 got India off to a flying start. Shafali Verma and Yastika Bhatia got starts, but failed to convert. Thereafter, Mithali and Ghosh and steadied the ship for Team India. Sophie Devine was the pick of the New Zealand bowlers as she got two wickets and gave away only 42 runs.
The White Ferns looked clinical in their run-chase and tracked down the target with six balls to spare. Amelia Kerr was the star of the show as she made 119 unbeaten runs off 135 balls with the help of seven fours. Earlier, Devine got the home team off to a flying start with 33.
Kerr and Maddy Green put on 128 runs for the fourth wicket to put New Zealand in a commanding position. Green went on to score 52 runs off 61 balls with five fours. Deepti Sharma picked up four wickets, but her efforts couldn’t help India win the match.
