On Wednesday, at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium in Mirpur, India’s women’s cricket team put up a dominant performance, securing a 108-run victory over Bangladesh in the second ODI of the series, thereby leveling the contest.

After winning the toss, Bangladesh captain Nigar Sultana Joty chose to field first. Their in-form pacer, Marufa Akter, struck early, dismissing opener Priya Punia for just seven runs with a brilliant in-swing delivery in the fifth over. The Bangladesh bowlers kept the pressure on and controlled the run-rate in the initial 20 overs. The experienced Smriti Mandhana scored 36 runs but fell in the 22nd over, leaving India at 68 for 3.

However, Indian skipper Harmanpreet Kaur and Jemimah Rodrigues played crucial roles, forming a 73-run partnership for the fourth wicket, which shifted the momentum in India’s favor. Harmanpreet contributed 52 runs off 88 balls before getting dismissed, but Jemimah continued her outstanding strokeplay, scoring a quick 86 off 78 balls, including nine boundaries. With her contribution, India managed to reach 228 for 8 in their allotted 50 overs. Sultana Khatun and Nahida Akter picked up two wickets each for Bangladesh.

In response, Bangladesh faced a challenging start and lost three wickets within the first 15 overs, with just around 40 runs on the board. Fargana Hoque Pinky and Ritu Moni tried to revive the chase with a 68-run partnership for the fourth wicket. However, their dismissals in the 29th and 30th overs triggered a batting collapse. From being 106 for 3, Bangladesh found themselves all out for 120 in 35.1 overs, losing their last seven wickets for a mere 14 runs in 6.2 overs.

Jemimah’s brilliance wasn’t confined to batting; she also displayed excellent bowling skills, taking four wickets with her off-spin in just 3.1 overs, conceding only three runs. Her exceptional all-round performance earned her the well-deserved “Player of the Match” award.

With the series now tied at 1-1, it promises an exciting finale. Bangladesh had won the first ODI by 40 runs on the Duckworth-Lewis-Stern method last Sunday at the same venue. The third and final match of the series is scheduled for this Saturday.