India defeat Bangladesh by 21 runs, complete series sweep

CHANDIGARH: Once touted as one of India’s most promising allrounders, Radha Yadav was dropped from the national team in early 2023 following a bad run of form. It took consistent performances in two editions of the Women’s Premiere League (WPL) and a slew of good shows in the domestic circuit for her to make a comeback in the team after a gap of 13 months.

On Thursday with 10 wickets in five matches, Yadav emerged as the most successful bowler and the Player of the Series of the T20 series as Harmanpreet Kaur-led India whitewashed hosts Bangladesh 5-0 in Sylhet. In the final T20I, India registered a 21-run win with left-arm spinner Yadav taking 3/24. Leg-spinner Asha Sobhana bagged 2/ 25.

Batting first, India posted 156/5 with No.3 batter Dayalan Hemalatha scoring a fiery 28-ball 37. Hemalatha too is on a comeback trail with Jemimah Rodrigues undergoing rehab for an injury at the National Cricket Academy. Smriti Mandhana also looked in soild touch during her 25-ball knock of 33. Batting at No. 4, Kaur scored 24-ball 30 but the highlight of India’s innings was an unbeaten 17-ball 28 by Richa Ghosh that helped India cross the 150-run mark.

In reply, the hosts scored 135/6 in 50 overs. Ritu Moni, coming in at No. 5, scored 33-ball 37 and Shorifa Khatun made an unbeaten 28 runs off 21 balls to add some respectability to the chase.

Brief scores: India 156/5 (Dayalan Hemalatha 37, Smriti Mandhana 33, Nahida Akter 2/27). Bangladesh 135/6 (Ritu Moni 37, Shorifa Khatun 28*, Radha Yadav 3/24). India won by 21 runs.