[Watch] Team India announces Fielder of the Match medal winner on big screen after historic win over Sri Lanka in 2024 Women's T20 World Cup
Radha Yadav of Team India was chosen as the Fielder of the Match against Sri Lanka on Wednesday, October 9. India have bounced back in style after a disappointing defeat to New Zealand in their opening match of the 2024 T20 Women's World Cup. With consecutive wins over Pakistan and Sri Lanka, the Women in Blue are alive in the race for a semi-final spot in Group A.
Harmanpreet Kaur and company recorded a mammoth 82-run win over Sri Lanka at the Dubai International Stadium to repair their net run rate and rack up points. The highlights included the sparkling batting display led by the top order and a prolific bowling performance. However, the near-flawless fielding also played a huge role in the victory.
India's fielding had been forgettable during the initial stages of the competition. The team dropped simple catches against New Zealand and Pakistan but showed significant improvement against Sri Lanka.
Head coach Amol Muzumdar and fielding coach Munish Bali hailed the fielding efforts of the team, lavishing praise on the likes of Richa Ghosh, Renuka Singh, and Shafali Verma. However, the medal went to substitute fielder Radha Yadav, who replaced skipper Harmanpreet Kaur on the field.
The all-rounder completed arguably one of the best catches of the tournament so far to dismiss Vishmi Gunaratne in the first over of Sri Lanka's chase of 173. After the match, Radha's name and photograph were shown on the big screen at the Dubai International Stadium. It also showed the replay of her incredible diving catch. Have a look at the moment right here:
The India men's team had employed a similar winner announcement strategy during the 2023 ODI World Cup. On that occasion too, it was a left-handed all-rounder whose name popped up on the giant screen at the MCA Stadium in Pune. Ravindra Jadeja was crowned as the Fielder of the Match for his effort against Bangladesh in the league stage.
Radha Yadav has earned a reputation for being one of the sharpest fielders of Team India
The all-rounder has showcased her brilliance on the field regularly. She has been among the most consistent fielders on the side for a while, setting a benchmark.
Radha Yadav had taken a similar diving catch while fielding in the deep during the inaugural edition of the Women's Premier League (WPL) to dismiss Deepti Sharma in the clash between the Delhi Capitals (DC) and the UP Warriorz (UPW).