In a clinical performance in Dhaka, the Indian women's team cruised to a 7-wicket win over Bangladesh in the first T20I of the series. Leading by example, captain Harmanpreet Kaur remained not out on 54, guiding her team to a comfortable chase of 115 with 3.4 overs left on the clock. The second T20I is scheduled for July 11, where the Women in Blue will push for a series victory, and Bangladesh will look to bounce back from this defeat.
Indian women produced a fine performance to complete a clinical 7-wicket win over Bangladesh women in the first of the three T20Is in Dhaka. India skipper Harmanpreet Kaur led from the front, scoring a brilliant unbeaten 54 and helping her side to chase down an average target of 115 with 3.4 overs to spare. These two teams will meet again on July 11 for the second T20I. Women in Blue will look to seal the series while Bangladesh would be eyeing to make a comeback.
Starting their innings first, Bangladesh's Shathi Rani Bormon and Shamima Sultana provided a promising start with a 27-run opening partnership. The momentum shifted when debutant Minnu Mani claimed the first breakthrough, dismissing Sultana for 17. Bormon (22) and Sobhana Mostary attempted to stabilize the innings with a 25-run stand, but this was cut short when Pooja Vastrakar cleaned up Bormon.
Amanjot Kaur further pressured the hosts with a brilliant piece of fielding to run out Nigar Sultana for 2. Although Bangladesh didn't lose too many wickets, they struggled to find their rhythm and failed to keep the run rate high. With 23 from Mostary and 28* from Shorna Akter, Bangladesh finished their 20 overs with a modest score of 114/5.
India's chase got off to a rocky start when Marufa Akter shocked the side by dismissing Shafali Verma for a duck in the opening over. While Jemimah Rodrigues (11) and Smriti Mandhana tried to steady the ship, Sultana Khatun broke the partnership by bowling out Rodrigues in the 4th over. From there, Mandhana (38) and Harmanpreet built a solid 70-run stand, ensuring India stayed in control and comfortably secured the victory.