Women’s World T20 warm-up: Richa Ghosh’s battling knock not enough as England beat India by five runs

NEW DELHI: Richa Ghosh produced a sensational strike on the counter-attack but her valiant effort ultimately went in vain as England held their nerve to register a thrilling five-run win over India in a Women’s World T20 warm-up on Wednesday.After beating the West Indies by 26 runs in their first warm-up match, India came agonizingly close to making it two wins in two matches before falling short in a thrilling finish. Chasing 172, India struggled to get on a used surface that offered pace and bounce to the bowlers. The top order found it difficult to accelerate, with Yastika Bhatia and skipper Harmanpreet Kaur getting starts but failing to convert them into significant scores.With wickets falling regularly, the chase seemed to have slipped away before Richa launched a stunning rescue act.The wicket-keeper batsman kept India alive almost single-handedly, taking charge of England’s attack despite receiving little support from the other end. Needing 17 runs from the final over, India still had hope as long as Richa remained at the crease.The right-hander immediately raised India’s hopes when she smashed a boundary and a six off Linsey Smith. The equation suddenly came together at six runs needed from the last three deliveries, with England starting to feel the heat.However, the turning point came on the fourth ball of the over. Richa tried another big hit and set off down the track but was bowled by a flight of delivery and stumped by Alice Capsey for a brilliant 68 off just 36 balls, an innings with nine fours and two sixes.Her release effectively ended India’s hopes.Two balls later, Renuka Singh Thakur was caught by Charlie Dean as England completed a narrow five-run victory, bowling India out for 166 in 19.5 overs.Earlier, England posted 171 for six, giving their batsmen valuable time in the pre-tournament half. For India, despite the defeat, Richa’s return to form will be a big boost in the Women’s T20 World Cup. The 21-year-old endured a quiet tour of England but was reminded in time of her match-winning abilities.The warm-up campaign is now over for both teams. England will begin their T20 World Cup campaign against Sri Lanka on June 12, while India will begin their tournament against arch-rivals Pakistan on June 14.