Tigresses outclassed by India in final warm-up

Bangladesh suffered a convincing 52-run defeat in their second and final warm-up game against India in Stellenbosch on Tuesday ahead of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2023. 

Chasing a huge target of 184 runs, Bangladesh never looked like posing any threat to India as the Tigresses clawed their way to 131 for eight after 20 overs. Skipper Nigar Sultana Joty top-scored with 40 off 36 balls, striking three fours and a six, while opener Murshida Khatun added a run-a-ball 32.

For India, leg-spinner Devika Vaidya picked up two wickets while Radha Yadav, Deepti Sharma, and Rajeshwari Gayakwad took a wicket each. 

Earlier, Bangladesh started off well after India, having opted to bat, were struggling on 35 for three inside the Powerplay. Marufa Akter removed opener Yastika Bhatia upfront before Nahida Akter dismissed the next two India batters, Shafali Verma and Harleen Deol.

It all went downhill for Bangladesh once Richa Ghosh paired with Jemimah Rodrigues to add 92 runs for the fourth wicket before the latter departed after scoring 41 off 27 balls, striking six fours and six.

Richa, however, went on and punished the Bangladesh bowlers as India added 56 runs in the last four overs of their innings. The right-handed batter, who is a fan of India legend Mahendra Singh Dhoni, remained unbeaten on 91 off just 56 deliveries, smashing nine sixes and three fours. 

Pooja Vastrakar also chipped in with an unbeaten 13 off just four balls, striking two sixes, as India amassed a commanding 183 for five in 20 overs.

Bangladesh are set to make their fifth appearance in the showpiece event when they take on Sri Lanka in their opening fixture on February 12.