*BANGLADESH WOMEN VS INDIA WOMEN 2nd T20I IN A 3 MATCH T20 SERIES 2023 PREVIEW*
*THE BUILD UP:*
India were not a troubled side in the first game, having completed a comfortable victory over Bangladesh at the latter’s home ground and they had a good allround performance to show for it. However, there were still a few questions that remained unanswered.
To begin with, Shafali Varma again threw her wicket away bagging a three ball duck. It’s been a frustrating pattern, seeing her act responsible and not playing according to the situation at hand. We demand more responsibility from her, at this point in her career, she is no longer a newbie in this side and with a campaign while leading the Indian girls also behind her, the time is now to bring that change. In an otherwise sorry batting performance from the girls of Bangladesh, Shorna Akter top scored with a run a ball 28. She got support from Shathi and Shobana but both were pretty average in their approach- striking way below 100 and allowing the pressure to get to them.
India had unleashed a comparatively newer side and they delivered at its full tilt. The bowling lineup breathed fire and did not let the Bangladeshis breathe easy. Something similar would be expected out of this group, once again.
*BAN PROBABLE XI:*
Shathi Rani, Shamima Sultana, Sobhana Mostary, Nigar Sultana (C & WK), Shorna Akhter, Ritu Moni, Nahida Akter, Marufa Akhter, Salma Khatun, Sultana Khatun, Rabeya Khan
Sultana Khatun had a game to remember. She failed to leak runs much to Bangladesh’s advantage and dismissed two of India’s batters as well in the form of Smriti Mandhana and Jemimah Rodriquez. Bangladesh would need her once again but this time with the others at their dominant best as well.
Both openers, Shathi and Shamima got starts but were unable to go big, this was also one of the reasons why Bangladesh failed to go big and record a stable total on board. India’s bowling is inexperienced and if these two along with the rest of the batters are able to chew up India’s strength and take full benefit of their home conditions, we could see the Harman led side under the pump.
*IND PROBABLE XI:*
Shafali Verma, Smriti Mandhana, Jemimah Rodrigues, Harmanpreet Kaur (C), Yastika Bhatia (wk), Harleen Deol,Deepti Sharma, Pooja Vastrakar, Amanjot Kaur, Braddy Anusha, Minnu Mani
Harman has been such a refreshing figure in this Indian lineup and she has been churning out the runs for a long time now. She top scored in the first game as well with a well crafted half century and led the side nicely. The over dependence of India on her is however concerning. The other guns in this setup will also have to step up and rise to the occasion. She batted with a pretty awesome strikerate and carried the chase nicely and the Indians would bank on her again. The likes of Shafali-Yastika Bhatia and Rodriquez will be required to see off another score alongside the ever so consistent performances of Mandhana and Harman.
Yastika Bhatia is one pillar in this lineup who is holding onto her spot due to her wicket keeping abilities however hasn’t shown much promise and consistency with the bat in hand. She averages low and has been relatively slow while approaching any target or setting a target. She needs to up her game in order to question her critics. India needs players like these to stand up and deliver in order to build confidence for the later stages.
*MY PREDICTIONS:*
*FOR INDIA:*
Highest run getter- HarmanPreet Kaur/Smriti Mandhana
Highest wicket taker- Pooja Vastrakar/Deepti Sharma
*FOR BAN:*
Highest run getter- Shamima Sultana
Highest wicket taker- Sultana Khatun
*FOR THE GAME:*
India to win and seal the series