The Indian women's cricket team rode on a disciplined bowling performance to register a 10-run win over Bangladesh in the third and final T20 International and inflict a 3-0 whitewash on the visitors in Vadodara on Friday.
Electing to bat, India posted 123 for nine and then restricted Bangladesh to 113 for seven in their allotted 20 overs.
It was a good show by the openers Mona Meshram (22) and Smriti Mandhana who gave the team an ideal platform, putting together a steady 53-run stand in seven overs.
Even after Meshram's departure, skipper Harmanpreet Kaur (20) continued along with Mandhana. The duo shared a 31-run stand for the second wicket.
But Mandhana's dismissal for a well made 39 off 36 balls, laced with four boundaries, triggered a collapse.
And barring Poonam Raut (13), none of the other batters could reach the double figure mark.
Chasing the modest target, the visitors lost opener Ayesha Akhter (12) early. However, Shukhtara Rahman (25; 37b, 4X4) and Lata Mondal (32, 27b, 4X4) played cautiously to take the team to 50-run mark.
But once Rahman was run out, Indian bowlers tightened the noose. They not only managed to put brakes on the scoring but also kept taking wickets at regular intervals.
{{/usCountry}}But once Rahman was run out, Indian bowlers tightened the noose. They not only managed to put brakes on the scoring but also kept taking wickets at regular intervals.
{{/usCountry}}Poonam Yadav was the pick of the bowlers with impressive figures of three for 21, while Ekta Bisht chipped in with two wickets for 28.
Brief scores:
India women: 123 for nine in 20 overs (Smriti Mandhana 39, Mona Meshram 22; Panna Ghosh 2/24).
Bangladesh women: 113 for seven in 20 overs (Lata Mondal 32, Shukhtara Rahman 25; Poonam Yadav 3/21, Ekta Bisht 2/28).