Bangladesh: Dhaka witnessed a thrilling encounter as the Indian women’s cricket team staged a remarkable comeback to secure an eight-run victory over Bangladesh in the second T20I of the three-match series at the Shere Bangla National Stadium. Shafali Verma’s exceptional all-round performance, including three wickets in the final over, turned the game in India’s favour.
After a batting collapse in the first innings, India found themselves struggling to post a competitive total against a formidable Bangladesh bowling attack. Sultana Khatun (3-21) and Fahima Khatun (2-16) put on a stellar display with the ball, causing havoc in India’s batting order. The visitors were restricted to a modest total of 95/8 in their allotted 20 overs.
Defending the target of 96, India got off to a strong start when Minnu Mani dismissed Shamima Sultana for 5 in the second over. Deepti Sharma further bolstered the Indian bowling attack by claiming the wicket of Shathi Rani in the third over, putting Bangladesh on the backfoot.
The partnership between Murshida Khatun and Nigar Sultana showed promise as they tried to steady the innings for Bangladesh. However, in the seventh over, Bareddy Anusha claimed her maiden T20I wicket, dismissing Murshida Khatun for 4. Ritu Moni then came to the crease but fell to Minnu Mani in the eighth over.
Deepti Sharma continued to make an impact, picking up her second wicket by removing Shorna Akter for 7 in the 15th over. However, Bangladesh captain Nigar Sultana, with a stroke of luck on her side, continued to fight and keep her team in the game. As Bangladesh approached the target, her wicket in the 19th over turned the tide in India’s favour.
The thrilling encounter went down to the wire, with Bangladesh needing 10 runs off the final over. Shafali Verma showcased nerves of steel and delivered a remarkable performance with the ball. She dismissed Nahida Akter on the second ball of the over and then caught and bowled Fahima Khatun on the fourth delivery. Verma completed her three-wicket haul by removing Marufa Akter for zero, ultimately helping India bundle out Bangladesh for 87 and secure an eight-run victory.
Earlier, India’s batting struggled against the disciplined Bangladesh bowling attack, managing to post only 95/8 in their 20 overs. Shafali Verma top-scored with 19 runs, while Amanjot Kaur contributed 14. Sultana Khatun’s impressive figures of 3-21 further highlighted Bangladesh’s dominance with the ball.
The victory in the second T20I sets up an exciting finale in the three-match series. Both teams will be eager to clinch the series in the upcoming match and will look to deliver an enthralling contest for cricket fans.
Brief score: India 95/8 (Shafali Verma 19, Amanjot Kaur 14; Sultana Khatun 3-21) vs. Bangladesh 87 (Nigar Sultana 38, Shorna Akter 7; Shafali Verma 3-15).
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