The Indian women’s cricket team stands on the cusp of a remarkable series whitewash after securing their fourth consecutive win against Bangladesh in what turned out to be a rain-affected T20 match on Monday, May 6 at Sylhet. Despite unforeseen weather conditions shortening the game to a 14-over per side encounter, the Indian team showcased a fearless brand of cricket, amassing a sizeable total to challenge their opponents.
The match began with uncertainty as the Indian opener, Shafali Verma, departed for a low score. However, the resilience of the batting lineup came to the fore with Smriti Mandhana and Dayalan Hemalatha each scoring a crucial 22 runs. Hemalatha’s play was particularly aggressive, contributing to the scoreboard with a quick flurry of boundaries including two fours and two sixes.
As the Indian team pushed forward, skipper Harmanpreet Kaur entered the scene, her intentions clear as she took the attack to the Bangladeshi bowlers. After Mandhana and Hemalatha were dismissed, Richa Ghosh stepped up to join forces with Harmanpreet, and together they added a rapid 44-run partnership off just 28 deliveries. This partnership propelled India past the 100-run mark. Ghosh’s stint was cut short after scoring 24, but not before she had played her part in reinforcing India’s position.
In the final overs, Harmanpreet’s aggressive batting and a late surge from S Sajana lifted India’s score to a competitive 122. The captain’s 26-ball 39 runs not only anchored the innings but also set a challenging pace for the Bangladeshi side, eventually earning her the Player of the Match accolade.
Facing a formidable target of 125 runs in 14 overs, the Bangladesh team needed to produce an exceptional batting performance. However, they struggled right from the outset, with India’s spinners quickly asserting dominance. Deepti Sharma displayed remarkable control and cunning as she removed the opener Murshida Khatun early on and continued to pose threats after the powerplay overs.
The game also marked an unforgettable debut for the Indian team’s oldest newcomer, Asha Sobhana, who seized the opportunity to make her mark on the big stage with two vital wickets. Asha’s wicket-taking exploits and the heartfelt gratitude she displayed, with prayers and a sense of profound fulfillment, reflected her arduous journey through domestic cricket and her notable performances in the Women’s Premier League.
As the match edged towards its conclusion, the Bangladeshi batters seemed under constant pressure, losing their composure and succumbing to India’s tactical bowling. Struggling to find their footing, they could only muster 68 runs, effectively ceding victory to India by a significant margin of 56 runs, as per the DLS method.
India’s comprehensive victory marks a notable chapter in their T20 series against Bangladesh. With a 4-0 lead in the five-match series, the Women in Blue are just a step away from sweeping the series. The team’s performance underlines their dominance in this format and showcases the potential the Indian women’s team holds to exhibit aggressive and assertive cricket when the moment calls for it. As the Indian team looks forward to the final match, there’s a palpable excitement around the prospect of achieving a clean sweep, a fitting tribute to the growth and strength of women’s cricket in India.
