DHAKA, Feb 24, 2020 (BSS)-Bangladesh made a disappointing start to the
ICC Women’s Twenty20 World Cup as they conceded an 18-run defeat to India at
Perth, Australia on Monday.
Being sent to bat first, India managed to put up 142-6 after which their
bowlers, led by leg-spinner Poonam Yadav restricted Bangladesh to 124-8.
Bangladesh’s highest run came from the willow of Nigar Sultana who made
35 off 26 with five fours.
As long as she was in the crease, Bangladesh was in the match for a
stunning victory but Nigar was undone by a Rajeshwari Gayakwad delivery.
Poonam however showed an intriguing display of googly to wreck-havoc on
Bangladesh’s middle order that saw her claimed 3-18 in four overs. She was
ably supported by Shikha Pandey and Arundhati Reddy who picked up two wickets
apiece.
Opener Murshida Khatun was the other notable scorer for Bangladesh with
30.
Bangladesh won the toss and decided to bowl first, which was justified
well by skipper Salma Khatun herself as she removed Indian opener Tania
Bhatia for 2.
India hit back in style through Shafali Verma and Jemimah Rodrigues, who
gave the scoreboard a rapid pace and shared 37-run.
Verma was at her attacking best, hitting 39 off just 17, with two fours
and four sixes.
After Panna Ghosh dismissed Verma, Bangladesh started hurling the baton
with some quick wickets. They also fielded well and inflicted two run outs
including Rodrigues who threatened for a bigger thing. She was out on 34.
After a middle order collapse, India regrouped well at the death overs,
thanks to Veda Krishnamurthy who blasted 20 off 9 with four boundaries to
help the side propel past 140.
Both Panna and Salma conceded 25 runs in four overs to claim two
wickets.
India in their first match beat hosts Australia by 17 runs.