In the second T20I of the India Women's tour of Bangladesh, India emerged victorious in a thrilling encounter, defending their total of 95/8 against Bangladesh, securing a narrow eight-run win.
Bangladesh needed 12 runs off 14 balls with five wickets in hand, but collapsed and were bowled out for 87 off the last ball of their allotted 20 overs.
Winning the toss, India elected to bat first but faced early setbacks as Smriti Mandhana (13) and Shafali Verma (19) departed in quick succession. Jemimah Rodrigues (8) struggled to find her rhythm, and the Indian batting lineup found it difficult to accelerate, losing wickets at regular intervals.
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Deepti Sharma (10) and Amanjot Kaur (14) provided some stability, but the Indian innings never gained significant momentum.
Sultana Khatun was the pick of the bowlers for Bangladesh, claiming three crucial wickets conceding 21 runs in four overs, while Fahima Khatun took two wickets.
Chasing a modest target, Bangladesh got off to a shaky start, losing Shamima Sultana (5) and Shathi Rani (5) early on.
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Nigar Sultana (38) tried to steady the ship but struggled to find support from the other end. The Indian bowlers, led by Minnu Mani (2/9) and Deepti Sharma (3/12), maintained a disciplined line and length, picking up wickets at regular intervals.
Bangladesh's lower order failed to contribute significantly, and despite Nigar Sultana's determined effort, they fell short of the target, getting bowled out for 87 in 20 overs. Shafali Verma (3/15) made crucial breakthroughs for India.
The last match of the T20I series will take place on July 13th at the same venue. After the T20I series, they will take on each other in a three-match ODI series.
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