Bangladesh spinners bowled exceptionally well, restricting India to a below-par score of 102/9. In reply, Shamima Sultana led the way with a gritty 42, helping Bangladesh secure a consolation four-wicket win in the third and final T20I at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium.
Read More: Jaiswal, Rohit hammer centuries on Day 2 of first Test, India lead Windies by 162 runs
India ended up winning the series 2-1, with Bangladesh securing a win against the visitors for only the third time in women’s T20Is. Shamima played a crucial role in Bangladesh’s chase of 103 runs, scoring 42 runs from 46 balls on a slow pitch. Despite a collapse in the middle overs, contributions from Sultana Khatun (12), Nahida Akter (10 not out), and Ritu Moni (unbeaten seven runs) ensured Bangladesh’s victory with ten balls remaining, preventing India from sweeping the series.
India won the toss and elected to bat first but lost vice-captain Smriti Mandhana in the second over when she tried to flick the ball and was caught by the second slip, Sultana. Sultana struck again in the following over, dismissing Shafali Verma, who attempted a lofted shot straight to long-on.
Read More: Sri Lanka women beat New Zealand eves by ten-wickets in third and final T20I
Captain Harmanpreet Kaur was the only Indian batswoman who seemed comfortable at the crease, scoring 40 runs off 41 balls. She formed a 45-run partnership off 49 balls for the third wicket with Jemimah Rodrigues (28). However, after Jemimah was stumped by Shorna Akter in the 12th over, India’s batting performance deteriorated.
Harmanpreet and Yastika Bhatia added 26 runs together before Bhatia was stumped by Fahima Khatun in the 17th over. India then experienced a shocking collapse. Yastika was trapped lbw by Fahima, Nahida bowled Pooja Vastrakar while attempting a slog-sweep, and Amanjot Kaur was run-out by the mid-wicket fielder. Deepti Sharma was caught at long-on by Rabeya Khan, and in the final over, Minnu Mani’s stumps were rattled by Rabeya. India went from 91/3 to 102/9, losing their last six wickets for only 11 runs.
Read More: Bangladesh secure seven-wicket consolation win in third ODI against Afghanistan
During the chase, Shamima hit three boundaries but showed excellent running between the wickets, accumulating 22 singles and four doubles. Despite losing Shathi Rani and Dilara Akter early to Minnu’s bowling, Shamima continued her innings and shared a 46-run partnership for the third wicket with captain Nigar Sultana (14).
India made a comeback as Nigar was caught behind off Devika Vaidya, and Shorna Akter was caught at deep mid-wicket by Jemimah. Devika then dismissed Sultana, caught at cover, while Shamima was run-out in the 17th over, leaving Bangladesh at 85/6.
Read More: India eves secure thrilling eight-run win against Bangladesh in second T20I
However, Nahida and Ritu remained composed and guided Bangladesh to victory. Their efforts were also supported by debutant spinner Rashi Kanojiya, who conceded 13 runs in the 18th over. This win allowed Bangladesh to end the series on a positive note.
The next stage of the tour will see India and Bangladesh battle it out in three ODIs. The matches will be held at the same venue and kick-off on July 16.