The Indian Women’s team choked Bangladesh by 110 runs in a must-win game to secure their third victory in six matches at Seddon Park to stay alive in the ongoing ICC Women’s World Cup semi-final.
Defending a target of 230 Indian bowlers Jhulan Goswami and Rajeshwari Gayakwad bowled a tight line putting Bangladesh under pressure ultimately losing the wicket of the opener Sharmin Akhter caught by Sneh Rana of Gayakwad’s bowling at the score of 12. Three runs in hands, Bangladesh yet again lost another wicket as Pooja Vastrakar dismissed Fargana Hoque for an 11-ball duck to leave their side in trouble at 15 for 2.
India stumbled at 108 for 4 after which Yastika Bhatia’s 50-run knock against Bangladesh earned the team success. Centurion in the game against West Indies Harmanpreet Kaur walked in to bat along with Yastika Bhatia took India’s total beyond the triple-figure mark in 25th over. Yastika continued with her rich run of form as she notched up a second consecutive half-century. Immediately after that Yastika was out caught at short fine leg by Nahida Akter of Ritu Moni’s bowling for 50 off 80 balls at 176 for 6.
Mithali Raj and company will now take on South Africa Women’s team in their next league match in Christchurch. “We haven’t played a game in Christchurch yet, so that’s a challenge. It’s an important game for India and we would want to do well in all departments,” said Mithali Raj on facing South Africa.