Smriti Mandhana

NEW DELHI: India continued their dominance in the women’s T20I series, securing an unassailable 3-0 lead by convincingly defeating Bangladesh by seven wickets in the third match held in Sylhet.Opting to field first, captain Harmanpreet Kaur‘s decision proved astute as India’s bowlers delivered a disciplined performance, limiting Bangladesh to 117/8.In reply, India’s openers Smriti Mandhana and Shafali Verma exhibited superb batting, constructing a formidable 91-run partnership in just 12.1 overs.Shafali’s explosive innings of 51 off 38 balls and Mandhana’s solid 47 off 42 balls propelled India towards victory, despite their eventual dismissals. Though Ritu Moni and Nahida Akter secured crucial wickets, India had already inflicted significant damage.Despite Bangladesh’s aggressive start, racing to 44 for no loss in the initial six powerplay overs, India’s bowlers regrouped after the dismissal of Dilara Akter, who blazed away to 39 off 25 balls.Dilara’s batting prowess was evident as she negotiated the Indian bowlers effectively, contributing to Bangladesh’s brisk start at the Sylhet International Cricket Stadium.Despite trailing 0-2 in the series, Bangladesh displayed determination to salvage the contest, especially after their disappointing performance two days earlier.With the T20 World Cup looming, Bangladesh aimed to solidify their middle-order, an area that had posed challenges. Despite Dilara’s efforts, Bangladesh suffered a setback with the run-out of Murshida Khatun (9) by the combination of Deepti Sharma and Richa Ghosh.In a significant turn of events, medium pacer Renuka Singh, the standout performer from the series opener, struck a crucial blow against Bangladesh.Her deceptive slower delivery on the leg side caught Dilara’s gloves, deflecting the ball to the wicketkeeper, Ghosh, despite the batter’s attempt to play it aggressively over square leg. This unexpected dismissal dealt a setback to the home team’s momentum as the Indian bowlers sought to establish control.By the 10th over, Bangladesh stood at 66 for two, with captain Nigar Sultana and Sobhana Mostary at the crease. However, a lapse in running between the wickets led to Sobhana’s dismissal for 15 off 20 balls, failing to beat Renuka’s accurate throw to the stumps.The momentum further shifted in India’s favor when Fahima Khatun was adjudged lbw off Shreyanka Patil’s first delivery. The dismissal came as Fahima attempted a sweep but missed the line completely, resulting in a swift end to her innings.(With PTI inputs)