In a stunning display of power hitting, Indian wicketkeeper-batter Richa Ghosh made history on Thursday, registering the highest-ever score by a No. 8 or lower batter in Women’s One-Day International (ODI) history. Her explosive knock of 94 runs off just 77 balls came against South Africa during the ICC Women’s World Cup clash at the ACA-VDCA Cricket Stadium in Visakhapatnam.
Ghosh’s whirlwind innings, featuring an impressive 11 fours and four sixes, proved to be a lifeline for India. She single-handedly pulled the team from a struggling position of 102 for six to a respectable total of 251. This incredible performance saw her shatter the previous record of 74, which was held by South Africa’s Chloe Tryon and set earlier this year against Sri Lanka.
Adding another unique chapter to cricket history, this match became the first Women’s ODI where both teams’ No. 8 (or lower) batters scored half-centuries. South Africa’s Nadine de Klerk also delivered a phenomenal, unbeaten 84 off just 54 balls, surpassing Tryon’s previous record herself with her match-winning effort.
Here are the highest scores batting at No. 8 or lower in Women’s ODIs:
- 94 – Richa Ghosh (IND-W) vs SA-W, Vizag, 2025 WC
- 84* – Nadine de Klerk (SA-W) vs IND-W, Vizag, 2025 WC
- 74 – Chloe Tryon (SA-W) v SL-W, Colombo, 2025
- 69 – Fatima Sana (PAK-W) v SA-W, Karachi, 2023
Despite Ghosh’s monumental effort, India ultimately suffered a three-wicket defeat. This victory marked South Africa’s first win against India after five previous losses and their third consecutive World Cup triumph over the Women in Blue.
Earlier in the match, India began with a promising 55-run opening partnership between Pratika Rawal (37) and Smriti Mandhana (23) in 10.2 overs. However, a dramatic collapse ensued, with five wickets falling for a mere 19 runs. India quickly plummeted from 83 for one to a dire 102 for six, as key batters like Harmanpreet Kaur, Jemimah Rodrigues, and Deepti Sharma struggled to build an innings. Following the game, Indian captain Harmanpreet Kaur openly criticized the top order’s performance, stating, ‘We didn’t take responsibility.’
It was then that Ghosh stepped up, taking charge of the innings. She carefully rebuilt alongside Amanjot Kaur (13) and later Sneh Rana (33). Her crucial 51-run partnership with Amanjot, followed by an impressive 88-run stand with Rana for the eighth wicket, steered India towards a respectable total. Ghosh reached her fifty in just 53 balls and then launched a sensational late assault, smashing 44 runs off her final 24 deliveries before being dismissed in the very last over.
Although the match concluded in a disappointing defeat for India, Richa Ghosh’s heroic and record-shattering performance stood out. Her innings serves as a powerful testament to her immense potential and fearless demeanor on the global cricketing stage.