India-Bangladesh third ODI tied, series shared

Skipper Harmanpreet Kaur criticises umpiring after India are all out chasing 226 in the rain-hit game in Mirpur

In 2018, the Bangladesh women's cricket team made waves when they beat India in the final of the Asia T20 Cup. Since that title win, Bangladesh had not been able to put up an impressive show against India going into this series.

Bangladesh players celebrate

On Saturday, Bangladesh women put up a gallant performance in the final, rain-hit ODI in Mirpur, showcasing grit and commitment. It was strange to see no provision for a Super Over as the match was tied and the teams shared the series 1-1. It was later informed that due to the rain delay in India’s chase, the scheduled time was up and hence the match did not go into Super Over.

India, chasing 226 after Bangladesh, led by opener Fargana Hoque’s century (107 – 160b, 7x4), scored 225/4, were 173/4 when rain halted play. When play resumed in Mirpur, their batting caved in and they were 225 all out in 49.3 overs.

Needing just three runs in the last over with one wicket in hand, Jemimah Rodrigues and last batter Meghana Singh could score two runs before seamer Marufa Akter got Singh to edge behind. The crowd burst into celebration while Rodrigues was stranded on 33.

The hosts fought from the first ball of the match, entertaining spectators with clean-hitting, great fielding and determination to win. It was heartbreak for India. From 191/4 they lost the next six wickets for 34 runs. It was a disappointing end for India who had won the T20 series.

Opener Smriti Mandhana (56 – 85b, 5x4) provided the early initiative before Harleen Deol (77 – 108b, 9x4) took over. The pair raised 107 runs for the third wicket after the early dismissals of Shafali Verma (4) and Yastika Bhatia (5). India needed only 53 runs from 14 overs when rain stopped play.

Batting first, Bangladesh were led by Fargana Hoque’s maiden century. She was supported by fellow opener Shamima Sultana (52 off 78) as they put on 93 runs for the first wicket. Skipper Nigar Sultana chipped in with 24 (36b). Hoque was run out off the last ball of the innings. Batting at No.5, Sobhana Mostary hit a brisk 23 off 22 balls.

India were cruising when Mandhana and Deol were together after the Bangladesh bowlers got early breakthroughs. After Mandhana was caught, trouble started after skipper Harmanpreet Kaur fell to Nahida Akter on 14, reducing India to 160/4 in 33.4 overs. Rodrigues and Deol kept ticking the scorecard with singles and twos but quick run outs turned the game in Bangladesh's favour. Deol was caught short by Fatima Khatun’s throw and then Deepti Sharma (1) fell to a direct throw from Mostary.

A dejected Kaur said, “A lot of learning for us from the game. Apart from the cricket, we were surprised by the kind of umpiring that was happening. The next time when we come to Bangladesh, we will make sure we have to deal with this type of umpiring and prepare ourselves accordingly. Bangladesh batted really well, batted according to the situation.

“They were taking those singles which were very crucial. In between, we leaked a few runs but when we were batting, we controlled the game very well. But as I mentioned earlier, some pathetic umpiring was done. We are really disappointed about some decisions.”

Bangladesh skipper Nigar Sultana said, “It was a great match, getting great experience. It will help us. We wanted to put on 230 runs. Happy Pinky (Hoque) got a century. The way the girls fought, it was unbelievable. After the break, we were talking about the two ways the game would go – either we will go hard on them or they will. Nahida (3/37) bowled really well.”

Bangladesh performance suggests that they will pose a threat to India when they compete in the upcoming Asia Cup.