[Watch] Richa Ghosh drops a sitter to give Suzie Bates a reprieve in IND vs NZ Women's T20 World Cup 2024 clash 

Indian women's cricket team wicketkeeper Richa Ghosh dropped a routine catch to hand New Zealand opener Suzie Bates a second life in the ongoing 2024 Women's T20 World Cup clash at the Dubai International Stadium on Friday, October 4. The clash marks the opening match of the World Cup campaign for both sides in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

New Zealand got off to a flying start, punishing the erratic bowling in the powerplay. The Indian players seemed to be overawed by the occasion, with their fielding reflecting the same. With both Bates and Plimmer scoring boundaries at will, it put a lot of pressure on the Women in Blue.

Skipper Harmanpreet Kaur held a team talk in the fourth over, but it did not improve things. A misfield by Renuka Singh Thakur cost four runs in the sixth over, and only two deliveries later, Richa Ghosh put down a sitter with her gloves.

India had finally created a wicket-taking opportunity after Bates failed to connect a stroke, resulting in a top edge. The ball looped straight over her head, resulting in a routine chance for the wicket-keeper, who only had to walk a few steps to get into the right position. Ghosh, however, made a mess of the chance as the ball popped out of her gloves.

Ghosh had surprisingly opted to catch it with her fingers pointing up, and got into an awkward position, resulting in the drop.

Have a look at the missed opportunity right here:

Bates was batting on 18 runs when she was dropped by the youngster. New Zealand ended the powerplay stage with no casualties and 55 runs on the board.

---

India fight back with two catches in the outfield after Ghosh's drop

Leg-spinner Asha Sobhana's introduction in the middle overs stopped the run flow, and brought along wickets as well. Bates could not make most of her reprieve by holing out to deep midwicket, with Shreyanka Patil taking a well-composed catch.

Three deliveries later, Sobhana began the ninth over by dismissing Plimmer as the right-handed batter failed to clear long on. Smriti Mandhana judged the trajectory well to hold onto the ball and seal the departures of both Kiwi opening batters.

As of writing, New Zealand are placed at 68/2 after nine overs. The experienced pair of Amelia Kerr and Sophie Devine are currently at the crease.