India secured a thrilling eight-run victory against Bangladesh in the second Twenty20 International (T20I) of the India tour of Bangladesh. With this win, India now holds an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match series.
After winning the toss, Indian captain Harmanpreet Kaur opted to bat first but Bangladesh managed to restrict India to their lowest T20I total against them, just 95/6. Shafali Verma top-scored with 19 runs off 14 balls while Sultana Khatun starred for Bangladesh with bowling figures of 3/21 in four overs.
In response, Bangladesh struggled to chase the target and were bowled out for 87 runs in 20 overs. Captain Nigar Sultana was the top-scorer for Bangladesh with 38 runs off 55 balls, but the rest of the batting lineup faltered against India’s spinners. Deepti Sharma (3/12) and Minnu Mani (2/9) were particularly outstanding with the ball, and Shafali Verma contributed three vital wickets, including a run-out, in the final over to secure the win for India.
India’s innings got off to a good start with an opening stand of 33 runs between Smriti Mandhana and Shafali Verma. However, a collapse followed as Smriti was bowled by Nahida Akter while attempting a slog sweep. Sultana Khatun turned the game around for Bangladesh by dismissing Shafali and Harmanpreet Kaur in successive balls, leaving India at 33/3. The middle order struggled to find boundaries, and it was Amanjot Kaur’s 14-run knock that ensured India had something to defend.
Defending a low total, India faced a shaky start as Pooja Vastrakar conceded 10 runs in her only over. Captain Harmanpreet then introduced Minnu Mani and Deepti Sharma, who managed to dismiss the Bangladesh openers in consecutive overs. Despite some resistance from Captain Nigar Sultana, the rest of the Bangladesh batting lineup failed to make an impact against India’s bowlers. Shafali Verma’s three wickets in the final over, along with a run-out, wrapped up the Bangladeshi innings and sealed India’s victory.
Harmanpreet Kaur highlighted the importance of trusting and giving responsibilities to young bowlers like Minnu and Anusha Bareddy, emphasizing that they would not be hidden in the field.
India’s impressive performance in the second T20I showcases their dominance in the series and highlights the potential of young talents like Shafali Verma. With a commanding 2-0 lead, India is now in a strong position to clinch the series in the final match.
