The energy was different today with nothing to lose: Richa Ghosh opens up on RCB’s win against UP Warriorz

RCB Women managed to secure their first win of the WPL 2023 and it needed a special effort from the batters after an early wobble that left them shaky despite chasing a modest target.

The triptych of Sophie Devine, Ellyse Perry and Smriti Mandhana were back to the pavilion early and by the time the Warriorz could find themselves in the driver’s seat, the innings had already witnessed a valiant knock from Kanika Ahuja (30-ball 46) and an uncharacteristically wary innings from Richa Ghosh (32-ball 31*).

Not every day do you get to win matches for your time but when you do, the feelings are very special. Both Ahuja and Ghosh opened up at length post the game about how they soaked in the pressure and worked on getting RCB across the finish line.

Awarded the Player of the Match, Ahuja said, “I just wanted to win a game for RCB. Since childhood, I have hit big sixes. My cricketing journey was difficult in Patiala initially but things are getting better.”

She further continued, “I've been in similar situations playing for Punjab, so I enjoy the pressure. The atmosphere in the team was a bit low when we were losing but we remained positive. The win today was great.”

Ghosh, who was miles away from her usual fiery self but played the perfect second fiddle to Ahuja, said, “Felt good when there was just one run at the end, and to give Shreyanka the strike. The energy was different today with nothing to lose. Feels great to finally win.”

The RCB wicket-keeper batter also added, “When the top four fell, I thought we needed to bide time and build a partnership. The plans were executed well with the ball. There was movement for the seamers and some turn for spinners. Last game, we got momentum but not the win. We improved on that today.”