In a rain-affected fourth T20I of the India Women’s tour of Bangladesh 2024, India showcased their dominance by securing a comprehensive 56-run victory over the hosts at the Sylhet International Cricket Stadium. This win not only gave India an unassailable 4-0 lead in the five-match series but also highlighted their supremacy in the limited-overs format.
India Women’s Innings: Harmanpreet Leads from the Front
Batting first in the rain-shortened 14-over match, India posted a competitive total of 122/6. Captain Harmanpreet Kaur played a pivotal role with the bat, scoring a robust 39 off 26 deliveries, adorned with five boundaries. She led from the front, ensuring India had a solid platform to build upon. Supporting her were Dayalan Hemalatha and Richa Ghosh, who contributed valuable runs with scores of 22 and 24, respectively. Despite losing wickets at regular intervals, the Indian batters managed to keep the scoreboard ticking against a disciplined Bangladesh bowling attack.
Bangladesh Women’s Chase: Struggles Against India’s Bowling
In response, Bangladesh Women faced an uphill task in their chase and could only manage 68/7 in their allotted 14 overs. Dilara Akter was the top scorer for Bangladesh with 21 runs, but the lack of substantial partnerships and the tight bowling from India restricted their progress. Deepti Sharma and Asha Sobhana were particularly effective, picking up two wickets each while maintaining economical rates, which added to Bangladesh’s woes.
Standout Performers: Harmanpreet and Deepti Shine
Harmanpreet Kaur’s pivotal knock not only anchored India’s batting effort but also earned her the Player of the Match award for her impactful innings under pressure. On the bowling front, Deepti Sharma’s spell was crucial in curbing Bangladesh’s run chase, showcasing her ability to thrive in crucial situations and pick up vital wickets for her team.
Series Overview: India’s Dominance
India Women have thoroughly dominated the series, securing comprehensive victories in all four matches leading up to the final encounter. Their performance in this series has been a testament to their strategic prowess and the depth of talent across the squad. The Indian team has demonstrated a balanced approach with contributions from various players in both batting and bowling departments, showcasing their versatility and adaptability in different conditions.
Final Match Anticipation: India Eye Clean Sweep
With the series already in their grasp, India Women will enter the final match with confidence, aiming to complete a clean sweep against Bangladesh. The final encounter, scheduled for Thursday (May 9) at the same venue, presents an opportunity for Bangladesh Women to salvage pride with a consolation win. However, India will be eager to maintain their winning momentum and end the tour on a high note, further asserting their dominance in women’s cricket.
India’s Strong Statement
India Women’s commanding performance in the series against Bangladesh underscores their status as a formidable force in international cricket. The team’s collective effort, led by Harmanpreet Kaur and supported by standout performers like Deepti Sharma, has exemplified their skill, determination, and ability to excel in challenging conditions. As they look ahead to the final match, India Women will aim to continue their winning streak and carry forward the positive momentum into future campaigns, solidifying their position among the top teams in the women’s T20 format.