Rabeya, Shamima star as Tigresses avoid T20 whitewash

Bangladesh women’s team avoided a clean sweep in three-match T20 series after beating mighty India by four wickets in the third and final match at Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium today.

Legspinner Rabeya Khan claimed 3-16 and opener Shamima Sultana played a 42-run knock to be instrumental in the victory as India clinched the series by 2-1 following their victory in the first two matches.

Thanks to Rabeya, Bangladesh restricted India for paltry 102-9 but still the doubt was there, considering that they couldn’t get past India’s only 95 in the second match and lost that by eight runs.

Shamim held her nerve to guide the side to the victory as Bangladesh overhauled the target in 18.2 overs, reaching 103-6. Rabyea was the sixth batter out but Bangladesh were just 18 runs away from the victory. Nahida Akhter (10*) and Ritu Moni (7*) then completed the inevitable to give Bangladesh a relief.

Captain Nigar Sultana was the next-best scorer with 14 runs while Sultana Khatun made 12.

Minnu Mani and Devika Vaidya took two wickets apiece for India.

Earlier Rabeya’s effort was complemented by Sultana who snapped up 2-17 as India found them in wanting after electing to bat first.

Captain Harmanpreet Kaur made the team-high 40 while Jemimah Rodrigues scored 28.

The two teams now will play a three-match ODI series. (BSS)