IND vs BAN 1st T20I: India Women got their new international season off to a winning start with a seven-wicket victory over Bangladesh Women in the first T20I of the three-match series at the Shere Bangla Stadium in Dhaka on Sunday.
Bangladesh Women won the toss and elected to bat first, but they were restricted to a modest 114-8 in their 20 overs. The spin attack of Deepti Sharma, Minnu Mani, and Shafali Verma was particularly effective, with Sharma picking up 2-14 and Mani taking 1-21.
In reply, India Women chased down the target with ease, reaching 115-3 in 16.2 overs. Harmanpreet Kaur top-scored with 54 not out, while Smriti Mandhana made 34.
The win gave India a 1-0 lead in the series, with the second T20I to be played on Tuesday.
Key Performers
- India: Harmanpreet Kaur (54 not out), Smriti Mandhana (34)
- Bangladesh: Nahida Akter (23), Sohana Akhtar (22)
- Bowlers: Deepti Sharma (2-14), Minnu Mani (1-21), Shafali Verma (1-18)
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Analysis
India Women were clinical in their victory, restricting Bangladesh Women to a below-par score and then chasing it down with ease. The spin attack was particularly impressive, with Sharma, Mani, and Verma all taking wickets.
Harmanpreet Kaur was the star of the show with the bat, scoring a well-made 54 not out. She was well supported by Smriti Mandhana, who made 34.
Bangladesh Women will need to improve their batting if they are to challenge India in the remaining two matches of the series. They were too reliant on Nahida Akter and Sohana Akhtar for runs, and they will need other players to step up if they are to be competitive.
Looking Ahead
The second T20I will be played on Tuesday at the same venue. India will be looking to build on their winning start, while Bangladesh will be hoping to bounce back.