Watch, AUS W vs IND W | Richa channels inner Dhoni to pull off lightning stumping to end Litchfield’s stay

‌After a memorable T20I series win, India could not carry their winning momentum into the ODI leg, losing to Australia by six wickets at the Allan Border field in Brisbane on Tuesday. Despite the senior duo of Smriti Mandhana (58) and skipper Harmanpreet Kaur (53) getting half-centuries, the visitors could manage only 214 before being bowled out with nine balls to spare in their first game in the format after the historic World Cup win at home last year.

And the home side had half-centuries from their veteran duo of Alyssa Healy and Beth Mooney (76) as the side romped home with more than 11 overs to spare to avenge their defeat to the Women in Blue in the semifinal of the marquee event. Though Healy and Phoebe Litchfield gave the side a good start, reaching 55/0 at the end of the 10-over powerplay, Shree Charani gave the visitors some hope.

The left-arm spinner struck with only her third ball of the game, deceiving a charging Litchfield with her turn. She floated one outside off that turned into the batter after pitching on a good length around off stump.

The southpaw, while going for a wild heave over mid-wicket, missed the ball completely before it hit her back thigh to balloon wide off Richa Ghosh behind the stumps. But the wicketkeeper was alert and showcased brilliant reflexes to collect the ball away from her body before whipping the bails in a flash, all at one go.

The lightning quick stumping meant Litchfield had no chance in getting back to the crease and unsurprisingly started her walk back immediately. Charani’s brave bowling, alongside Richa’s impressive glovework, helped her pocket her first wicket in ODIs in Australia. And in the very next delivery, she packed off Georgia Voll for a golden duck to raise hopes of a comeback, but Healy and Mooney took Australia to safety.

That was quick from Richa!