In a stunning display of skill and talent, India Women's cricket team secured a dominant 108-run win over Bangladesh Women in the second One Day International (ODI), leveling the series at 1-1. The match took place at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium in Mirpur on Wednesday.
Winning the toss, Bangladesh captain Nigar Sultana Joty elected to bowl first. In the early overs, the Bangladeshi bowlers kept the pressure on the Indian batters, restricting the run rate. In-form pacer Marufa Akter provided the breakthrough by clean bowling opener Priya Punia for seven runs.
However, the experienced Smriti Mandhana's dismissal at 36 left India at 3/68, with Bangladesh seeming to have control. It was then that the captain Harmanpreet Kaur and the talented Jemimah Rodrigues took charge. Their crucial 73-run partnership for the fourth wicket shifted the momentum towards India.
Harmanpreet contributed 52 runs from 88 balls before being dismissed, but Jemimah continued her brilliant strokeplay, scoring a magnificent 86 off just 78 deliveries, including nine boundaries. With her powerful performance, Jemimah helped India cross the 200-mark, finishing at 228 for 8 wickets.
In response, Bangladesh struggled to establish a solid chase, losing three wickets for around 40 runs in the initial 15 overs. Fargana Hoque Pinky and Ritu Moni attempted to revive the innings with a 68-run partnership for the fourth wicket. However, their dismissals in the 29th and 30th overs triggered a batting collapse for Bangladesh.
Facing some exceptional bowling from Jemimah Rodrigues, who displayed her all-round abilities, Bangladesh lost seven wickets for just 14 runs in 6.2 overs. Jemimah's off-spin proved to be lethal as she claimed four wickets while conceding a mere three runs in 3.1 overs.
For her outstanding all-round performance, Jemimah Rodrigues was named the player of the match. With the series level at 1-1, the tension and excitement build as the teams gear up for the third and final match, scheduled to take place on Saturday.
The second ODI's result is a testament to the remarkable talents and determination of the women cricketers, who continue to showcase their prowess and bring glory to Indian cricket. The series' final match promises to be a thrilling encounter, with both teams striving to clinch the victory and claim the series for their respective nations.
