India’s top-order might still be searching for form in this World Cup, but their lower-middle order continues to deliver under pressure, ensuring the hosts maintain a perfect start to their campaign. Once again, it was Richa Ghosh’s explosive finish that turned a tricky situation into a commanding total against Pakistan, underlining the depth and versatility of this squad.
Top Order Still Searching
So far, the numbers don’t paint a flattering picture for India’s top five. Harmanpreet Kaur and Jemimah Rodrigues have managed a combined tally of just 72 runs across four innings, Smriti Mandhana has struggled for fluency with scores of 8 and 23, and Pratika Rawal, despite her promise, is yet to cross 40.
Yet India are two wins from two games. Their ability to rebuild from stuttering starts has been the story of this tournament. Against Sri Lanka, they were reeling at 124/6, and versus Pakistan they sat at 159/5. Both times, the lower order stepped up, lifting India beyond 240—totals that proved more than enough on challenging surfaces.
Deepti, Rana Provide Backbone
Deepti Sharma remains at the heart of India’s resilience. Her 53 against Sri Lanka provided the innings stability needed, while a patient 25 against Pakistan on a testing Khettarama pitch demonstrated her adaptability. What makes her more dangerous is her evolving power game, sharpened during the Women’s Premier League, where she recently blasted 72 off 58 balls against Australia.
Alongside her, Sneh Rana has offered reliability and intent. Against Sri Lanka, she blasted an unbeaten 28 off 15, while versus Pakistan she adjusted to a slower tempo with 20 off 33, helping Deepti stitch crucial stands of 42 in both games. Her WPL form and ability to close innings have given selectors the confidence to persist with her as a dual-threat player.
Ghosh’s Game-Changing Knock
While Deepti and Rana held the middle overs, it was Richa Ghosh who provided the knockout punch. Walking in with just 34 balls left, she initially faced frustration—stuck at the non-striker’s end while Diana Baig bowled a wicket-maiden. But once she freed her arms, the momentum shifted.
Her 35 not out off 20 balls included a towering hit over long-on off Fatima Sana and brutal strikes against Baig—driving one full toss down the ground for four and then sending another sailing for six. In the final over, Ghosh revealed her growing range, executing a cheeky reverse swat past short third for four. Her finishing flourish pushed India from a par score of around 220 into an imposing 248, leaving Pakistan with little chance.
The Bowling Bonus
What makes India’s lower-order trio invaluable is their dual role. Deepti Sharma (3/45) broke Pakistan’s backbone by dismissing Sidra Amin, their top scorer. Sneh Rana (2/38) once again delivered at a venue where she has thrived all year. Meanwhile, Shree Charani, though wicketless against Pakistan, had already shown her impact with 2/37 in the Sri Lanka clash.
Together, they offer India the rare luxury of all-round depth—players who can rescue the batting and then dominate with the ball.
India’s Depth a World Cup Weapon
India’s campaign has so far highlighted their versatility and adaptability. Even without big scores from their established names, they have found ways to post winning totals. That resilience, coupled with the spin trio’s dual skills, gives the home side a formidable edge.
Tougher challenges await against higher-ranked teams, but the early signs suggest India have unlocked a new gear. If the top order clicks to complement the middle and lower-order strength, this squad could become near unstoppable at the 2025 Women’s World Cup.