“Deepti and Shafali showed great composure in the crucial final overs,” mentioned an elated Indian captain. Harmanpreet Kaur after the event. “Their controlled bowling made the difference and allowed us to snatch this victory from the jaws of defeat.”
SCORECARD: INDIA vs BANGLADESH
off-spinner Sultana Khatun claimed a career-best 3/21 because the hosts grounded a star-studded Indian workforce to a below-par general of 95 for 8, their lowest-ever rating towards Bangladesh in ladies’s T20Is.
Commenting at the workforce’s efficiency with the bat, Kaur said Bangladesh’s bowling effort, pronouncing, “Credit should be given to Bangladesh for their disciplined bowling. Sultana Khatun’s impressive spell restricted our scoring rate.”
However, Bangladesh stumbled to 87 all-out in 20 overs, experiencing an inexplicable batting cave in. From a comfy 86 for five, they misplaced their final 5 wickets for only one run in a span of 8 deliveries.
Reflecting at the victory, Kaur expressed her self belief within the younger Indian bowlers, mentioning, “In this series, we have a couple of young bowlers who are going to take responsibility and bowl for us. It’s important for us to trust them and not hide them in the field.
The Indian spinners played a crucial role in dismantling the Bangladesh batting order. Off-spinner Minnu Mani (2/9) and left-arm orthodox Anusha Bareddy (1/20) made early breakthroughs, creating pressure on the opposition.
The seasoned duo of Deepti Sharma (3/12) and Shafali Verma (3/15) then showcased their skills in the 19th and 20th overs, executing controlled bowling to turn the game in India’s favour.
Shafali, in particular, displayed her prowess in the final over by taking all her three wickets while conceding just a solitary run. This exceptional display of skill and composure from the young spinner played a pivotal role in India’s victory.
“Today, Shafali’s bowling was once remarkable within the an important ultimate over,” Kaur praised the young spinner. “Her talent to stay calm and ship underneath drive is commendable.”
Bangladesh’s chase was led by skipper Nigar Sultana (38; 55 balls) who fought valiantly. However, she failed to finish the game and was brilliantly stumped by Yastika Bhatia in the penultimate over, bowled by Deepti Sharma. This dismissal triggered a dramatic collapse, sealing India’s victory.
Despite the disappointment of defeat, Nigar Sultana remained hopeful and stated, “Bowlers did smartly to limit India. I will have to have ended the sport. I feel we did not get the beginning we would have liked. Looking ahead to the final sport.”
The win gives India an unassailable 2-0 lead in the series, with the third and final match set to take place on Thursday. Bangladesh will aim to salvage pride and end the series on a positive note, while India will look to continue their winning momentum and secure a clean sweep.
(With inputs from PTI)