NEW DELHI: India Women’s experienced spin bowler Radha Yadav demonstrated her exceptional fielding prowess during the second One-Day International against New Zealand Women at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on Sunday.
The seasoned player shone once again, pulling off a stunning catch to dismiss the White Ferns’ in-form opener, Georgia Plimmer.
The moment unfolded in the 16th over of New Zealand’s innings when India urgently needed a breakthrough to disrupt the partnership between Suzie Bates and Plimmer.
Captain Harmanpreet Kaur’s tactical decision to reintroduce Deepti Sharma into the attack paid off, as the ace spinner managed to dismiss Plimmer with the help of a spectacular catch by Radha Yadav.
After conceding a single off the first ball, Deepti followed up with a dot ball and then delivered a well-flighted delivery, tempting Plimmer to flick it to the on-side. However, the right-hander’s shot went airborne, and Radha Yadav, diving to her right, pulled off one of the finest catches of her career.
Radha didn’t stop there, as she went on to take another breathtaking catch, leaving everyone in awe of her fielding brilliance.
Brooke Halliday charged down the wicket, attempting to loft debutant Priya Mishra down the ground, but only managed to sky the ball towards the extra cover region.
Radha sprinted back, executing a full-length dive, expertly reaching the ball with both hands and ensuring it stayed secure, preventing it from bouncing out after hitting the grass.
Earlier, New Zealand skipper Sophie Devine won the toss and elected to bat. India skipper Harmanpreet is back after missing the series opener due to a niggle, while the hosts have handed a maiden cap to young Priya Mishra.
For New Zealand, Fran Jonas and Lea Tahuhu came in for injured Amelia Kerr and Molly Penfold.
India lead the three-match series 1-0 after winning the first ODI by 59 runs.