IND vs PAK: Dhoni fan Richa Ghosh wins hearts with spectacular glovework, scripts huge Women's World Cup record - WATCH

During the match, Ghosh picked up four catches which is the joint most for an Indian wicketkeeper in an ODI innings

Young Indian wicketkeeper Richa Ghosh, who idolises former India captain and wicketkeeping legend MS Dhoni, won hearts with his spectacular glovework in India's first game in the ICC Women's World Cup 2022 against Pakistan at the Bay Oval in Mount Maunganui. India won by 107 runs on Sunday as India kicked off their campaign in style.

Richa Ghosh

During the match, Ghosh picked up four catches which is the joint most for an Indian wicketkeeper in an ODI innings, equalling the record of Anju Jain (versus West Indies in 2004) and Anagha Deshpande (versus Australia in 2011). Ghosh also became the first wicketkeeper ever to inflict five or more dismissals in a World Cup debut. She completed the dismissals of Sidra Ameen, Bismah Maroof, Nida Dar and Nashra Sandhu with her four catches and stumped Aliya Riaz during the Pakistan game.

Earlier last month, Ghosh had revealed that Dhoni is her idol, while in conversation with captain Mitahli Raj, following her heroics with the bat in the series against New Zealand.

“When I began watching matches of Team India, I started following MS Dhoni as I was impressed with his power-hitting abilities with the bat coupled with effective wicket-keeping behind the stumps. He is my idol," he said.

Talking about the game, this was India's 11th straight win against Pakistan in 11 ODIs. India found themselves in deep trouble after opting to bat first as they suffered a collapse before a seventh-wicket partnership of 122 runs between Pooja Vastrakar and Sneh Rana helped India bounce back to finish with 244 for seven in 50 overs.

Pakistan responded to the chase on a quiet note before wickets started tumbling on regular intervals with Rajeshwari Gayakwad picking four wickets.

"I am happy we won the first game but a lot of things to work on. When you lose wickets in the middle order, it does put a lot of pressure. The top-order has to score runs in a big tournament like this. When you have all-rounders like Sneh, Deepti and Pooja, we extend our batting line up. Hope Pooja would be fine before the next game," said Mithali in the post-match presentation.