Radha Yadav turned heads with two spectacular catches in the second ODI between India and New Zealand at the Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad. In the 16th over, Radha showcased impressive athleticism, leaping forward to dismiss Georgia Plimmer. However, her next effort—an even tougher catch to dismiss Brooke Halliday—became the highlight of the match.
During the 32nd over, Halliday stepped down the pitch in an attempt to go big but misjudged her shot. The ball, coming off the toe-end of her bat, went high towards the on-side field. At first, it seemed out of Radha’s reach, but the 24-year-old chased the ball, staying focused as it soared over her shoulders. In a remarkable show of timing and skill, she leapt backwards to complete a catch that left spectators in awe and the commentators singing her praises.
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This moment also marked a memorable milestone for Priya Mishra, who claimed her first international wicket courtesy of Radha’s stunning catch. The 20-year-old debutant spinner delivered a solid performance, conceding 49 runs in her 10 overs, offering glimpses of her potential on the international stage.
𝘼𝙣𝙤𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙧 𝙍𝙖𝙙𝙝𝙖 𝙔𝙖𝙙𝙖𝙫 𝙨𝙥𝙚𝙘𝙞𝙖𝙡! 🤩
This time she runs all the way back and successfully takes a skier 👏👏
Maiden international wicket for Priya Mishra as Brooke Halliday departs.
Live – https://t.co/2sqq9BtvjZ#TeamIndia | #INDvNZ | @IDFCFIRSTBank pic.twitter.com/nFbs7wTqZ6
— BCCI Women (@BCCIWomen) October 27, 2024
New Zealand, determined to bounce back after losing in the opening match, made a strong start with the bat. The White Ferns built a solid platform, led by veteran Suzie Bates, who scored a composed 58, and Plimmer’s valuable 41.
Yet, after Lauren Down and Halliday’s quick dismissals, New Zealand lost momentum before their captain, Sophie Devine, stepped in. Devine’s steady rotation of the strike, coupled with timely boundaries, helped her reach a half-century, keeping the visitors in contention.
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India’s bowlers, particularly Deepti Sharma and Saima Thakur, had a reasonable showing, but it was Radha’s exceptional catches that truly turned the tide. Without her, India’s task on the field would have been far more challenging, highlighting the crucial role her fielding played in keeping New Zealand’s batters in check.
