In a captivating encounter straight from Dhaka, Bangladesh Women showcased their mettle by securing a sensational victory against India Women in the 3rd T20I. Although India Women emerged victorious, clinching the series 2-1, the final match witnessed a thrilling display of cricketing prowess. Shamima Sultana’s heroic innings of 42 runs played a pivotal role in Bangladesh’s triumph, while India’s debutant Rashi Kanojiya faced a challenging 18th over that turned the tide in favor of the Bangladeshi side.
First Innings: Winning the toss and electing to bat, India Women faced a disciplined bowling attack from Bangladesh, ultimately posting a total of 102/9 in their allotted 20 overs. Rabeya Khan emerged as the standout bowler, finishing with impressive figures of 3/16. Leading from the front, Indian captain Harmanpreet Kaur showcased her class with a top-score of 45, accompanied by a promising knock of 28 from Jemimah Rodrigues. Despite their contributions, the remaining Indian batters struggled to find their rhythm, leaving Bangladesh with a target of 103 runs.
Second Innings: India Women’s bowler Minnu Mani set the stage alight by claiming early wickets in her magnificent opening spell, dismissing opener Shathi Rani and Dilara Akter in quick succession. However, Shamima Sultana and Nigar Sultana displayed resilience, forging a crucial 46-run partnership that steadied Bangladesh’s innings. Devika Vaidya’s breakthrough in the form of Nigar Sultana’s dismissal momentarily halted Bangladesh’s progress. Nevertheless, Shamima Sultana remained steadfast, defying the Indian bowlers.
The climax of the match unfolded during the 18th over when debutant Rashi Kanojiya conceded crucial runs, providing Bangladesh with the impetus they needed to inch closer to victory. The tension escalated as Sultana Khatun was dropped at long-on, and she swiftly capitalized on the opportunity by dispatching the next delivery to the boundary. With the equation reduced to 1 run required off the last over, Nadia Akhter sealed the deal with a decisive stroke, guiding Bangladesh to a remarkable 4-wicket triumph.
Conclusion: Although Bangladesh Women avoided a whitewash with their thrilling victory in the 3rd T20I, India Women emerged as the deserving winners of the series, clinching it 2-1. The match showcased the resilience and fighting spirit of both teams, with Shamima Sultana’s match-defining knock and Rashi Kanojiya’s learning experience standing out as memorable moments. This enthralling encounter will be etched in the annals of women’s cricket as a testament to the growing competitiveness and passion within the sport.