ICC Women’s World Cup 2025: Richa Ghosh smashes record never achieved by any cricketer before

India vs Australia Live Score, Women's World Cup (BCCI Photo)

When Richa Ghosh hammered an incredible 94 off 77 deliveries in Thursday's Women's ODI World Cup match against South Africa, she made history. Richa appeared to be in excellent form, and this was the highest score registered by a player batting at No. 8 or lower in an ODI World Cup match, for both men and women.

In the 2022 Women's World Cup, India's Pooja Vastrakar held the record with a score of 67 runs against Pakistan at Mount Maunganui. Richa also outscored Nathan Coulter-Nile of Australia, who hammered 92 runs in the 2019 Men's ODI World Cup match against the West Indies.

Richa is the only cricketer from India to score 80 or more runs while batting at eighth or lower in an ODI World Cup match. The closest was the all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja, who struck 77 against New Zealand in 2019.

At the Women's Cricket World Cup on Thursday, South Africa defeated hosts India by three wickets thanks to a fine performance by Nadine de Klerk, who smashed an unbeaten 84 off 54 balls.

After captain Laura Wolvaardt smashed 70 off 111 balls, De Klerk, who had a total of five sixes and eight fours, formed crucial lower-order partnerships as South Africa amassed 252-7 in 48.5 overs.

That was in response to India's 49.5-over total of 251 all out. At one point, the Women in Blue were down to 102-6 after De Klerk took 2-52 and Chloe Tyron took 3-32 in ten overs.

Prior to the Proteas registering a successful chase, India reached a competitive total largely due to Richa Ghosh's 94 off 77 balls, which included four sixes and eleven fours.

With two victories from three games, South Africa is currently fourth in the standings after winning for the second time in a row. On Monday, the Proteas will play Bangladesh at the same venue.

With two victories from three games, India is still in third place. On Sunday, they will play the reigning champions, Australia, at the same venue.