India Stumbles in Middle Overs Despite Ghosh’s Late Flourish at Women’s ODI World Cup
Visakhapatnam, October 9, 2025 – A spirited late charge from Sabbhineni Meghana ghosh couldn’t quite lift India to a commanding total against South Africa in their Women’s ODI World Cup clash. Despite a valiant half-century from Ghosh, India’s middle order struggled, leaving them vulnerable to South Africa’s disciplined bowling attack.
The innings began with a blow as Laura wolvaardt’s dismissal halted any early momentum. This brought Jemimah Rodrigues to the crease alongside Harmanpreet kaur, but their partnership was short-lived. Rodrigues fell for her second duck in three matches, caught lbw by Tryon – a dismissal that highlighted India’s broader susceptibility to left-arm spin.
Indeed, India has now lost 11 wickets to left-arm spin throughout the tournament, a clear area of concern. Kaur herself labored to nine runs off 24 balls before edging a Tryon delivery to Kapp at backward point.
At the halfway mark, with India at 100 for 5, South Africa tightened their grip. Kapp’s return to the attack proved effective,quickly removing Deepti Sharma caught behind after a review failed to overturn the decision.This left India reeling at 102 for 6.
Amanjot & Ghosh Stabilize, Then Ghosh Explodes
Amanjot Kaur, returning from a fever that sidelined her against Pakistan, found herself tasked with a rescue mission – much like her effort against Sri Lanka (where she helped recover from 124/6). Ghosh, initially tentative, soon found her stride.
She almost gifted a catch to kapp, but then unleashed a boundary off Tryon, ending a 14.3-over drought. A rare fielding error from Luus gifted Ghosh another four, establishing her as the dominant partner in the stand. Ghosh swept Tyron and Mlaba effectively, even clearing long-on for a six off Sekhukhune, contributing 36 runs to a crucial 51-run partnership with Amanjot.
Though, Amanjot’s innings was cut short just as she looked to accelerate, mis-hitting Tryon to Luus, who secured her 56th international catch – tying a south African ODI record.
Ghosh then took charge, showcasing her power-hitting prowess.She dispatched a de Klerk slower ball for six, followed by back-to-back boundaries off Mlaba, reaching her seventh ODI fifty off just 53 balls.
Ghosh continued her assault, reverse-sweeping Mlaba, driving Kapp over cover, and then plundering 19 runs off Khaka’s over.She moved into the 90s with a delicate slice past point, and then a potential dismissal was overturned on review, showing the ball narrowly missing the waistline.
Sadly, South Africa rallied late, claiming two swift wickets that coudl prove pivotal.
Ultimately, Ghosh’s extraordinary innings provided much-needed momentum, but india’s struggles in the middle overs left them with a total that may not be enough to challenge a strong South African batting lineup.You can expect a fascinating contest as South Africa begins their chase.
Reporting by Firdose Moonda, ESPNcricinfo’s South Africa and Women’s Cricket Correspondent.
Key Takeaways for You:
* Left-Arm Spin Threat: India needs to address its vulnerability against left-arm orthodox spin.
* Ghosh’s Resilience: Sabbhineni Meghana Ghosh’s late-innings surge was a highlight, demonstrating her ability to accelerate under pressure.
* Middle Order Concerns: The middle order’s struggles remain a concern for India.
* South Africa’s Discipline: South Africa’s disciplined bowling and fielding kept India in check.
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