Harmanpreet Kaur: 2nd WT20I: India clinch thrilling victory over Bangladesh, take unassailable 2-0 series lead | Cricket News – Times of India

NEW DELHI: India emerged victorious by a slender eight-run margin over Bangladesh in a nerve-wracking encounter on Tuesday, securing an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match T20I series. The match witnessed an enthralling battle as spinners Deepti Sharma and Shafali Verma held their composure during the death overs to seal a thrilling win for India.
“Deepti and Shafali showed great composure in the crucial final overs,” stated an elated Indian captain Harmanpreet Kaur after the match. “Their controlled bowling made the difference and allowed us to snatch this victory from the jaws of defeat.”
SCORECARD: INDIA vs BANGLADESH
Off-spinner Sultana Khatun claimed a career-best 3/21 as the hosts grounded a star-studded Indian team to a below-par total of 95 for 8, their lowest-ever score against Bangladesh in women’s T20Is.

Commenting on the team’s performance with the bat, Kaur acknowledged Bangladesh’s bowling effort, saying, “Credit should be given to Bangladesh for their disciplined bowling. Sultana Khatun’s impressive spell restricted our scoring rate.”
However, Bangladesh stumbled to 87 all-out in 20 overs, experiencing an inexplicable batting collapse. From a comfortable 86 for 5, they lost their last five wickets for just one run in a span of eight deliveries.
Reflecting on the victory, Kaur expressed her confidence in the young Indian bowlers, stating, “In this series, we have a couple of young bowlers who are going to take responsibility and bowl for us. It’s important for us to trust them and not hide them in the field.”

The Indian spinners played a crucial role in dismantling the Bangladesh batting order. Off-spinner Minnu Mani (2/9) and left-arm orthodox Anusha Bareddy (1/20) made early breakthroughs, creating pressure on the opposition.
The seasoned duo of Deepti Sharma (3/12) and Shafali Verma (3/15) then showcased their skills in the 19th and 20th overs, executing controlled bowling to turn the game in India’s favour.
Shafali, in particular, displayed her prowess in the final over by taking all her three wickets while conceding just a solitary run. This exceptional display of skill and composure from the young spinner played a pivotal role in India’s victory.
“Today, Shafali’s bowling was exceptional in the crucial final over,” Kaur praised the young spinner. “Her ability to remain calm and deliver under pressure is commendable.”

Bangladesh’s chase was led by skipper Nigar Sultana (38; 55 balls) who fought valiantly. However, she failed to finish the game and was brilliantly stumped by Yastika Bhatia in the penultimate over, bowled by Deepti Sharma. This dismissal triggered a dramatic collapse, sealing India’s victory.
Despite the disappointment of defeat, Nigar Sultana remained hopeful and stated, “Bowlers did well to restrict India. I should have ended the game. I think we didn’t get the start we wanted. Looking forward to the last game.”
The win gives India an unassailable 2-0 lead in the series, with the third and final match set to take place on Thursday. Bangladesh will aim to salvage pride and end the series on a positive note, while India will look to continue their winning momentum and secure a clean sweep.
(With inputs from PTI)