India secured a resounding 5-0 series victory over Bangladesh in the fifth and final T20I match, with Captain Harmanpreet Kaur, vice-captain Smriti Mandhana, and Dayalan Hemalatha each contributing with scores in the 30s. The spin duo of Radha Yadav and Asha Sobhana played a pivotal role, picking up five wickets collectively to seal the win for India.
Opting to bat first, India posted a competitive total of 156/5 in their allotted 20 overs at the Sylhet International Cricket Stadium. Smriti Mandhana (33), Dayalan Hemalatha (37), Harmanpreet Kaur (30), and Richa Ghosh (unbeaten 28) were the chief contributors to India's total. In response, Bangladesh managed to reach 135/6 despite a late surge from Ritu Moni (37) and Shorifa Khatun (28 not out).
India's innings got off to a shaky start with the early dismissal of Shafali Verma, playing her 100th international match. However, Smriti Mandhana and Dayalan Hemalatha steadied the ship with a 37-run partnership for the second wicket. Hemalatha's innings was particularly crucial as she found her form after being dropped early in the innings.
Harmanpreet Kaur also played a vital role, adding valuable runs alongside Hemalatha. However, India suffered a mini-collapse losing quick wickets in the middle overs. Richa Ghosh's unbeaten knock towards the end propelled India past the 150-run mark.
In their defense of 156, India's bowlers put up a disciplined performance. Titas Sadha provided the initial breakthrough, while Radha Yadav and Asha Sobhana wreaked havoc in the middle overs, picking up crucial wickets at regular intervals. Despite a resilient partnership between Ritu and Shorifa, Bangladesh fell short of the target by 21 runs.
Radha Yadav was awarded the Player of the Match for her three-wicket haul, while also clinching the Player of the Series award for her outstanding performance throughout the series. With this comprehensive series win, India concludes their tour of Bangladesh on a high note, gaining confidence ahead of the Women’s T20 World Cup league stage matches scheduled at the same venue in October.
Brief scores:
India: 156/5 in 20 overs (Dayalan Hemalatha 37, Smriti Mandhana 33; Nahida Akter 2-27, Rabeya Khan 2-28)
Bangladesh: 135/6 in 20 overs (Ritu Moni 37, Radha Yadav 3-24, Asha Sobhana 2-25)
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